Local Knowledge in Tourism Microentrepreneurship^*

The frequent occurrence of dramatic natural disasters and political and religious instability in Southeast Asian island states has tested the resiliency of tourism-dependent economies and the livelihoods of host communities. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the role of local knowledge in contributing to the resilience of tourism microentrepreneurship. Drawing on a case study of a restaurant in South Sulawesi (Indonesia) that has thrived despite the ebbs and flows of tourism, we identify ways in which successful tourism microentrepreneurs draw on local knowledge to discern business opportunities and build rapport with neighboring communities.