A study of events organised by hospitality industries in Accra, Ghana.

Abstract

The literature on events tourism is replete with data on the importance of mega events and their socioeconomic impacts on destinations, with little information on the role of the hospitality industry in the organisation of these events. This paper examines the role played by the hospitality industry in the organisation of events, for their clients. Using mixed research method, this study involved a sample of 76 respondents made up of 6 managers, 32 employees and 38 clients of two hotels in Accra, Ghana. The managers were selected purposively, while the employees and clients were selected using systematic random and convenience sampling methods, respectively. The study revealed that whilst religious and socialization activities dominated events organised by the hotels, only a few of the events organized covered corporate conferences, meetings and workshops. Most of the clients expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the events they attended, intimating that the events organised at the hotels were found to be very convenient. However, some managers of the hotels were found to have received no special training in events planning and management. This study, therefore advances the need for Management of hospitality industries in the country to receive in-service training and exhibit more professionalism in organizing events for their clients.

Keywords

• Event management
• hospitality industry
• planning outcomes
• event planning
• Ghana