1. WERT – Women Entrepreneurs in Rural Tourism Needs Analysis Country report Greece

2. Research objective to identify:  the issues affecting women entrepreneurs in rural areas in tourism, crafts and food production  the specific needs of target groups in order to define the training content required  the appropriate delivery methods to suit the target groups

3. Research analysis (1)  Period: 31/01/2011 until 28/03/2011  methods of delivery: by post by fax by e-mail phone interview  54 questionnaires sent out, 20 replies  16 women’s rural tourism cooperatives and 4 individual women entrepreneurs

4. Research analysis (2)  Respondents production of traditional foodstuff (14) crafts (4) accommodation (3) attraction (2)

5. Summary of findings - overall  further training is considered useful in every skill area  most useful ‘marketing and product development’ ‘developing a quality customer service’  least useful ‘accommodation management and maintenance’

6. Summary of findings – general business skills  better competence – most interest in further training  marketing and product development 4,5

7. Summary of findings – rural tourism services  least overall competence  developing a quality customer service 4,5  least competence in ‘accommodation management and maintenance’ 6 /16 responses ‘not useful’ 5 /16 ‘very useful’

8. Summary of findings – using computers  3 rd in training interest  11/18 do not use computers or internet for marketing purposes  almost half do not use basic programmes  using e-mail and the internet 3,9

9. Summary of findings – self development  second best average in competence  highest score in a current skill ‘time planning/balancing of work and family’  7/18 replies very useful and 5/18 ‘not useful’

10. Summary of findings – other training suggestions  marketing and promoting of products and services  certification and other legal issues – legal framework for enterprises such as women’s coops  accounting  funding sources for women entrepreneurs and coops  hospitality and accommodation’s hygiene*  specific skills: bakery and confectionary catering training from food technologists

11. Summary of findings – online network 18 out of 20 are positive topics for discussion:  Time management *  Exchange of experience, knowhow and skills  Exchange of knowledge on recipes, packaging  Visiting women associations abroad  Setting up commercial links  Product promotion  Traditional diet and cuisine  Professional training on confectionary  Hospitality issues *  Accommodation hygiene *  Business presentation

12. Summary of findings – useful training Skill Area – Use of training Average score Skill Area – Use of training Average score How to market your business and develop your product 4,5 Developing a sustainable rural tourism business 3,6 Developing a quality customer service 4,5 Organising and running alternative leisure activities for tourists 3,6 Business planning and research 4,2 Social networking e.g. facebook, LinkedIn, twitter 3,6 Legal aspects - finding out about regulations 4,1 Written communication skills 3,5 Developing a tourist business which is accessible to all 4,1 Cultural awareness and foreign languages 3,5 Financial management e.g. sources of finance, cash flow, profit & loss, pricing 4 Basic word processing 3,4 Using computers and the internet for marketing – websites, search engine optimisation 3,9 Building confidence and networking 3,4 Using e-mail 3,9 Time planning - balancing work and family 3,3 Making presentations 3,9 Databases and spreadsheets 3,2 Ability to diversify 3,7 Accommodation management and maintenance 2,9 Managing staff and team building 3,7

13. Summary of findings – training delivery  most preferable: series of workshops learning from experienced entrepreneurs  least preferable: on-line learning

14. Specific country requirements & difficulties  most women active in rural tourism through women coops  traditional foodstuff and crafts  difficulties: age and education basic computer use difficult generation gap problem prejudice and distrust

15. Recommendations  training in marketing & business, quality service development, legal and financial aspects  seminars and exchange of experience preferably near their base  network of women entrepreneurs to facilitate exchange of ideas and communication between women  qualitative research for better results

16. WERT – Women Entrepreneurs in Rural Tourism thank you for your attention