Ecotourism Emergence in Tasmania Through Social Entrepreneurs and Authentic Leaders

Ecotourism is one of the fastest growing sectors within the tourism industry in Australia. The southern island state of Tasmania is one of the pioneers in creating sustainable ecotourist ventures. We explore, with a leadership behavioral lens, the role that the embodiment of authentic leader behaviors in social entrepreneurs has on ecotourism emergence. Authentic leader behaviors offer a response to some arguments that numerous ecotourist ventures are only sustainable and environmentally responsive in name only. Entrepreneurial leadership is critical in creating a culture conducive to social entrepreneurial growth and sustainability. This chapter concludes with recognition of the importance of future research into developing authentic leader behaviors in social entrepreneurs.