Starting and running a tourism business requires drive, determination, commitment, entrepreneurial flair, and a lot of hard work. It can be a very rewarding experience and provide great opportunities for you and your family if it is done well. If not, it can result in financial ruin and a great deal of stress.

You will need to think about your current commitments and the support you have from your friends and family for your proposed venture. If you are going to run a business from your home or community, you will also need to consider the impact this will have on your personal life and family time.

You will need to evaluate your financial position to ensure you have the resources to cover all of your expenses. Most importantly, as the business will involve you investing a great deal of your own time and money, as well as putting your personal possessions up as security for a loan (if required), you will need ensure that you are disciplined, and able to stick to budgets, to give yourself the best possible chance of success.

Running a business is about more than just spending time with visitors. For example, if you choose to run a charter boat, you also have to clean and maintain the vessel, scrub the toilets, wash dishes, cook lunch, do the book keeping, take the bookings and undertake marketing activities.

Often you will have to work long hours, and sometimes you will not make a profit for the first few years. Having your own business can give you a good future income and greater control over your own time, as well as giving you the opportunity to expand your skills and confidence. It is important to make sure you are personally suited and well set up before taking this step.