An Evaluation of the Challenges Faced by the Tourism and Hospitality Industry in Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Regency Flamboyant Hotel from 2005-2009

Abstract

This research seeks to evaluate the challenges that the Zimbabwean tourism and hospitality industry faced during the period (2005-2009). The main objectives of the research involves assessing how far the Zimbabwean political, economic, social, technological, legal and ecological situations affected the tourism and hospitality industry in Zimbabwe and evaluating the effectiveness of current marketing tools for more effective promotion of tourist products. The researcher also investigates on the effects of a change in the tourism industry performance on society and identified sustainable means of boosting tourism in Zimbabwe.

The researcher used exploratory research design and descriptive research designs to enable the data collection. In conducting the research questionnaires were distributed to employees and management, while the management was also interviewed to gather relevant data on the topic under study. Other information was collected through desktop research in the form of monthly financial reports, information memorandums, text books and other relevant company documents.

Findings from the research indicated that the tourism and hospitality industry in Zimbabwe has been affected by the activities hinging on political events that transpired during the period under review its effects cascaded to the economy which has the direct bearing on the tourism and hospitality industry.