Purpose Our comprehensive study, which is highly relevant to the current state of the tourism industry, investigated the extensive impact of tourism entrepreneurial ecosystems (TEE) on sales growth in European countries based on a sample of 109 entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach We studied 109 entrepreneurs in the tourism sector in Germany and France and analyzed the data using quantitative methods. Findings The results showed that financing and funding, networks, technological and international trade affect the sales growth of the tourism entrepreneurs. In addition, the uneducated workforce, legal and political factors as well as TEE do not influence the sales growth. Originality/value These findings have significant and practical implications for entrepreneurs and policymakers in the tourism industry, providing them with valuable insights for decision-making.