Abstract
This paper develops and validates a scale to measure entrepreneurship in the tourism industry, addressing its unique characteristics such as small businesses, family enterprises, lifestyle-driven behaviors, and destination-specific factors. Existing scales often fail to capture these nuances, limiting the generalizability of tourism entrepreneurship research. This gap is critical for assessing entrepreneurial performance and potential in tourism. Using a systematic literature review, we established a foundation for construct generation based on Grounded Theory. An expert panel reassessed this through the Delphi method, followed by validation via a large-scale survey. The resulting scale is tailored specifically for the tourism sector, enhancing theoretical understanding and offering a practical tool for managers. By addressing a key research gap, this study contributes to more accurate assessments of entrepreneurship in tourism, supporting both academic inquiry and practical applications within this distinctive industry.
•Developed and validated a novel scale for entrepreneurship in the tourism and hospitality sectors.•Utilized the Delphi method for robust expert validation of the new scale.•Extensive survey confirms scale validity and general applicability in the respective context.•New scale deepens theoretical insights into tourism industry entrepreneurship.•Offers a valuable managerial tool for advancing entrepreneurial activities in tourism and hospitality sectors.