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

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.

Accessible Tourism to People with Disabilities in Africa: A Review of the Existing Literature

“…A similar technique should be adapted in other sectors such as transport and attractions sectors. The technique will attract a significant number of disabled travellers because some of them are willing to pay any amount to get the desired experience (Mangwiro et al, 2018). For instance, having space between seats will not only assist wheelchair users to sit comfortably in public transports but will also offer a positive experience to people with mobility challenges (senior travellers, small kids, and pregnant women) since they put more emphasis on public transport more than other accessibility issues.…”

“…But surprisingly, some of the providers thought there was no need to develop facilities that follow universal designs. Mangwiro et al (2018) assessed the perceptions of people with disabilities following the compliance of Zimbabwean hotels. Using thematic analysis, it was revealed that Zimbabwe was still lagging when it came to compliance of universally designed facilities, even though disabled people were willing to pay as much as was needed to get accessible facilities.…”

“…Table 1 summarises some of those challenges. Lack of accessible accommodation Bisschoff & Breedt, (2012) ;Chikuta, (2015); Khumalo &Ndlovu, (2017); Mangwiro et al, (2018); Meskele, Woreta & Weldesenb, (2018) 3.…”

“…This shows that the disabled travel market is a potential new market in the world of tourism industry; hence it should not be ignored. Furthermore, despite all the challenges affecting them from taking leisure trips, disabled people do travel and they have the same travel motivations just like able-bodied persons (Chikuta, DuPlessis & Saayman, 2017) and they are willing to pay any amount to get their desired services (Mangwiro et al, 2018). 14.…”

A acessibilidade na indústria hoteleira do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

“…Apesar da questão sustentável, a literatura confirma que as PNE se tornaram um mercado importante para a indústria hoteleira. A crescente demanda de pessoas com deficiência é uma evidência para apoiar o potencial da indústria hoteleira de se beneficiar desse mercado emergente (Hussien & Jones, 2016;Mangwiro, Zengeni1, Mirimi & Chamunorwa1, 2018).…”