The tourism sector is a large and fast growing industry able to generate several potential benefits for the whole economy both at local and national level. In recent years new forms of tourism (labelled as alternative) have emerged. Among these, rural tourism plays an important role due to its influence on the development of local communities. Tourism is an economic sector in which a high degree of entrepreneurial involvement is required. Moreover in order to compete worldwide, both entrepreneurship and networking emerge as key features of successful tourism provision. The aim of this discussion is to highlight the role of these features with particular reference to their influence on achieving a robust and resilient performance of the tourism sector that is required in the present economic crisis.