Brief reports
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, ZW
About Marvellous
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, ZW
About Nelson
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, ZW
About Kumbirai
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, ZW
About Gwerena
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
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.
How to Cite:
Mangwiro, M., Zengeni, N., Mirimi, K. and Chamunorwa, G., 2019. Compliance of Zimbabwean Hotels in the Provision of Innovative Facilities for Guests with Disabilities. Disability, CBR & Inclusive Development, 29(3), pp.105–119. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5463/dcid.v29i3.780
Published on
23 Feb 2019.
Peer Reviewed
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