Family businesses in rural tourism in Mato Grosso do Sul: an exploratory study

Abstract

In recent decades, several rural landowners have been looking to diversify their activities, They have found in rural tourism an opportunity to reconcile the economies of their properties with other daily activities to add their sources of income, usually from family farming. Current studies also state that several alternative strategies are needed to improve conditions in the rural sector, more precisely in family-owned companies – including the issue of succession. This research was carried out in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul in family businesses that have rural tourism as part of their activities. Methodologically, it consisted of exploratory research, with a qualitative approach linked to a theoretical review, data collection took place through a semi-structured interview script. The results showed that rural tourism from a family business is undoubtedly a profitable activity to be developed, despite being challenging, and those responsible for this initiative must be prepared to manage the business without letting it affect family life. We also saw the relevance of family businesses with tourist activities in rural áreas in the social and economic context, reinforcing the need to organize aspects of management and succession.