Compliance of Zimbabwean Hotels in the Provision of Innovative Facilities for Guests with Disabilities

Authors

  • Marvellous Mangwiro Chinhoyi University of Technology, School of Hospitality and Tourism
  • Nelson Zengeni Chinhoyi University of Technology, School of Hospitality and Tourism
  • Kumbirai Mirimi Chinhoyi University of Technology, School of Hospitality and Tourism
  • Gwerena Chamunorwa Chinhoyi University of Technology, School of Hospitality and Tourism

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5463/dcid.v29i3.780

Keywords:

Disability, people with disabilities, innovation, innovative facilities, hotel experience

Abstract

Purpose: In Zimbabwe, people with disabilities have limited options when looking for hotel accommodation as hotels often lack facilities that cater to their specific needs. This study sought to explore the perceptions of people with disabilities on the compliance of Zimbabwean hotels in the provision of innovative facilities for guests with disabilities.

Methods: Data was collected by administering a semi-structured interview guide to 55 respondents. Thematic analysis of the data was carried out.

Results: The findings indicate that hotels are not compliant in terms of providing innovative facilities for guests with disabilities. Accessibility of facilities emerged as the most important consideration for guests with disabilities.

Conclusion: It is recommended that hotels be more innovative and upgrade their facilities so that they are accessible to people with disabilities. This would not only enhance their guests’ hotel experience, but would also expand the hotels’ customer base to include this clientele.

Author Biographies

Marvellous Mangwiro, Chinhoyi University of Technology, School of Hospitality and Tourism

Mangwiro is a lecturer at the Chinhoyi University of Technology (Zimbabwe), Department of Hospitality and Tourism. Research interests are: Tourism entrepreneurship and innovation as well as hospitality and tourism marketing.

 

Nelson Zengeni, Chinhoyi University of Technology, School of Hospitality and Tourism

Nelson is a senior lecturer at the Chinhoyi University of Techology (Zimbabwe), Department of Hospitality and Tourism. Research interests are: Hospitality and Tourism policy and planning; and services marketing and tourism management.

 

Kumbirai Mirimi, Chinhoyi University of Technology, School of Hospitality and Tourism

Mirimi is a lecturer at the Chinhoyi University of Technology (Zimbabwe), Department of Travel and Recreation. Research interests are - Destination branding, tourism marketing, sustainable tourism and accessible tourism.

 

Gwerena Chamunorwa, Chinhoyi University of Technology, School of Hospitality and Tourism

Gwerena is a research student at the Chinhoyi University of Technology (Zimbabwe), Department of Hospitality and Tourism. Research interests are in Universal access of tourism, Hospitality and Tourism management and hotel operations

 

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Published

2019-02-23

How to Cite

1.
Mangwiro M, Zengeni N, Mirimi K, Chamunorwa G. Compliance of Zimbabwean Hotels in the Provision of Innovative Facilities for Guests with Disabilities. DCIDJ [Internet]. 2019 Feb. 23 [cited 2024 Oct. 18];29(3):105-19. Available from: https://dcidj.uog.edu.et/index.php/up-j-dcbrid/article/view/307

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 3 (2018): Autumn 2018

Section

Brief reports

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Copyright (c) 2019 The Author(s)

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