Microentrepreneurial Motivations and Perceived Benefits in Laos

Increases in international tourism have been associated with increased livelihood opportunities and the creation of microenterprises in developing and less developed economies. An exploratory study examining the motivations for engaging in a microenterprise and the perceptions of the benefits of tourism was conducted with participants from Vientiane, Laos. It was found the microentrepreneurs in the study were mostly pushed into engaging in microenterprises due to the lack of employment opportunities and thus were creating their own jobs as opposed to being pulled into starting a business in search of wealth or lifestyle benefits. All participants of the study believed international tourism created more benefits than problems for both themselves and the country.