ISSN 2167-0439
International Journal of Management and Business Studies ISSN 2167-0439 Vol. 6 (3), pp. 286-293, March, 2016. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Economic benefits of the world soccer showcase to Zimbabwe hotels and Lodging Sectors
Yasmina Boudjedra1*, Cheb Khadra2 and Rachid Taha Fellag3
1Department of Economics, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe.
2Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe.
3Department of Banking and Finance, Midlands State University, Zimbabwe.
E-mail: [email protected]
Accepted 18 January, 2016
Abstract
This study sought to investigate the economic benefits from the 2010 FIFA World Cup. To do this, a key component of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, the hotel and lodging sector, was isolated. The economic benefits were proxied by the number of foreign tourist arrivals around the mega event. Data for the study was gathered through questionnaires and interviews, and the study units comprised a sample of 87 hotels and lodges in the country’s prime tourist destinations. The study established that despite efforts made to host the anticipated visitors, players in Zimbabwe’s hotel and lodging sector did not benefit. The policy recommendations drawn are that though the short term benefits can be negligible, there are potentially sustainable long term benefits.
Key words: 2010 FIFA World Cup, economic benefits, tourism sector, Zimbabwe.