Managers' perceptions of the role of ICT in rural tourism firms efficiency: The case of Slovenia
In the paper, results of a fi eld research among managers working in Slovene rural tourism SMEs are presented. A questionnaire was developed and employed to measure their perceptions of the ICT infl uence on their fi rms' effi ciency. Th e correlation analysis results showed that the most important factor aff ecting fi rms' revenue growth, profi tability, organizational climate and customers' satisfaction are perceived benefi ts from ICT use. Expectedly, younger and more educated managers, as well as those operating in fi rms with more employees, perceive the role of ICT as more important than their older and less educated counterparts. Furthermore, it was established by linear regression analysis, where a composite performance indicator was used as dependent variable, that perception of the ICT benefi ts and ICT skills signifi cantly positively aff ect the fi rms' performance. Th e results may present a valuable information for decision makers when preparing strategies and plans for rural tourism development, investments in ICT infrastructure, for specifi c promotional actions, and education programs development.