Insights into International Tourists’ Experiences of, and Satisfaction with, Zimbabwe’s Tourism Offerings

• Main Authors: Tembi Maloney Tichaawa, Logistic Makoni
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Danubius University 2018-02-01
• Series: Acta Universitatis Danubius: Oeconomica
• Subjects: Tourist profiles; perceptions; tourism products; experience and satisfaction; Zimbabwe
• Online Access: http://journals.univ-danubius.ro/index.php/oeconomica/article/view/4492/4410

This study sought to gain insights into international tourists‘ experiences of, and satisfaction with, Zimbabwe tourism offerings. The study emanates from the standpoint that, for tourism to enhance its potential to transform economies and livelihoods, the focus for development, in that regard, must be directed towards increasing the number of travellers to destinations, creating memorable experiences, and ensuring that the service quality is satisfactory, based on their expectations and perceptions. The study‘s objective was achieved through the use of a questionnaire survey, with the data obtained being presented in tables from the highest to the lowest mean scores. The satisfaction of the tourism offerings was negative, in which the highest mean score was Attitude of the personnel/service providers (M=2.73), and the lowest mean score was Road network to/from points of entry, prominent attractions and other amenities (M=1.58). The respondents viewed all the given tourism offerings as top development priority, with the highest mean score being accommodation facilities (M=4.93), and the lowest being theme parks (M=4.77). In addition, the perceptions of the tourism offerings were found to be generally negative, with the highest mean score being a friendly environment for the tourists, and the locals are welcoming and friendly (M=4.44), and the lowest being There is a good road network in Harare that allows for easy access to and from tourism offerings (M=1.86). The study offers insights into an understanding of the development and marketing of tourism offerings, service quality and delivery, as well as of the policy and planning direction for destination managers.