Unlocking Policy Impediments for Service Delivery in Tourism Firms: Evidence from Small and Medium Sized Hotels in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Attempts by many African governments to implement institutional reforms aimed at developing and implementing inclusive tourism-related policies have met with mitigated success. This study ergo, critically unpacks policy-related impediments associated with the operations of tourism firms in Africa, drawing on evidence from small and medium sized hotels in Cameroon. Analysis of empirical data collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 hotel owner/managers in Cameroon revealed that: (i) their impact on employment was minimal, with a heavy reliance on family members/relatives; (ii) limited employee education and skills for effective service delivery; (iii) low hotel occupancy rates; and (iv) poor destination competitiveness. Important policy and planning recommendations are made, most notable of which is a critical (re-)examination of tourism policy and planning practices by means of developing and implementing cogent development plans that are cognisant of the local realities and geared towards guaranteeing effective service delivery, thereby ensuring destination competitiveness.

Consumer Behaviour in the Accommodation Services Market – a Comparison of Vienna, Bratislava and Prague in 2018

“…The occupancy (Occ) indicator is generally used in the analysis of accommodation capacities relatively commonly. Current use can be found, for example, in studies for SMEs -Small and medium-sized enterprises (Nalley, Park, and Bufquin 2019;Tembi and Kimbu 2019). The occupancy calculation itself is given as formula (1).…”

The Impacts of Ecotourism and Conservation Measures in Protected Areas on Local Communities in Cameroon

“…The inclusion of this analysis is a unique attribute and contribution of the current article, and can practically contribute to informing the formulation of dedicated ecotourism policy for the sector, one that promotes inclusive and low-impact development. Additionally, the current study has contributed to Furthermore, given the geographical terrain of the region, although the PA is located in the Douala region of Cameroon-one of the economic hubs of the country (Harilal et al, 2019;Tichaawa & Kimbu, 2019)-it is not feasible for residents to hold employment outside of the PA while residing in it. Despite the fact that there are conservation and preservation measures in place in the PA, with residents aware of and abiding by them, in this case these measures do not seem to have had a negative impact on residents' ability to engage in their livelihood and social activities, nor has the use of the PA by locals been to its detriment.…”

Informal Business Tourism in Cameroon

“…The setting for this present study is Cameroon -an emerging destination in Central Africa. Cameroon is often referred to as Africa in miniature, or Africa in one country, as the geographical and ecological features, coupled with the local people and their culture, enables tourists to experience the vibrant social tapestry of Africa (Tichaawa, 2017;Tichaawa and Kimbu, 2019;Harilal et al, 2019;Kimbu and Ngoasong, 2013). The country is rich in natural and cultural attractions, providing the country with immense tourism potential (Tichaawa, 2017;Kimbu, 2011Kimbu, , 2012Harilal et al, 2019).…”