Microenterprise in conservation areas : do strategic management models fit in a non-traditional context?

This paper examines indigenous tourism businesses in and around conservation areas in less developed countries. The conservation area context varies significantly from those of most strategy models in that the indigenous businesses tend to be microenterprises. Firms operating in this sphere are also distinguished by a strong tendency to develop business strategies in collaboration with government or nongovernmental organization (NGO) partners. Two key approaches to strategy form the basis of this investigation with one approach being explored in greater detail through a conservation area case study.