The existence of low barriers of entry to the business sector has tended to polarise
a relatively small number of very large, increasingly transnational, companies, and
a large number of small businesses. It is from the latter that considerable
momentum has come over the years with regard to niche tourism. Establishing,
often very precise, market niches has allowed small businesses to gain their own
edge in a highly competitive and generally price-sensitive market. In their abilities
to be close to their market and offer personalised service and high levels of product
knowledge, such businesses have been able to carve out specialist tours and holiday
packages. A cursory glance at the UK’s Association of Independent Tour
Operators Directory reveals the full range of niche tourism products on offer –
from battlefield tours to tailored natural history tours to the Galapagos Islands. On
initial inquiry there appears to be a strong correlation between the growth of niche
tourism products and a steady growth in levels of entrepreneurial activity that
builds upon the special interests of enthusiasts who frequently seek to transform
these interests into a business venture. However, little research has been carried out
in this field.