The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy in the Relationship between the Entrepreneurial Environment and Vietnamese Tourism Students’ Entrepreneurial Intention

This study explores the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between the entrepreneurial environment and entrepreneurial intentions among Vietnamese tourism students, utilising data from 275 students across seven universities. Based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Social Cognitive Theory, the findings reveal that a supportive entrepreneurial environment — encompassing social, cultural, legal, political, technological, and economic dimensions — significantly affects both entrepreneurial intentions and self-efficacy. Self-efficacy mediates this relationship, enhancing the influence of environmental factors on entrepreneurial intentions. The social, cultural, and legal dimensions exert the most substantial impact, whereas political and technological factors have a moderate effect, and economic conditions play a limited role. The study emphasises the importance of fostering self-efficacy through entrepreneurship-focused education, mentorship, and psychological support. Policy recommendations include streamlining regulations, providing financial incentives, promoting digital skill development, and encouraging collaboration among stakeholders. These findings offer practical insights for educators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and empower future entrepreneurs in Vietnam’s tourism sector. They also contribute to the broader literature on entrepreneurship in emerging economies.