Assessment of the Challenges Facing Small and Medium Sized Hotel Operators in Unguja, Zanzibar

The purpose of this study was to explore the challenges facing small and medium sized hotel operator in Unguja, Zanzibar. The study examined the challenges facing the development of small and medium sized hotel operators. Also, the study asserted the measures taken by small and medium sized hotel operators to address challenges facing them. The sample included 103 respondents. The respondents were small and medium sized hotel employees (82) and small and medium sized hotel operators, managers and assistance managers (21). The small and medium sized hotel employees were selected through random sampling while small and medium sized hotel operators, managers and assistance managers were selected through purposive sampling techniques. This study adopted descriptive research design and both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were employed. Data collection methods included interviews, questionnaires, observation and documentary literature review. Findings revealed that small and medium sized hotel operators faced various challenges, namely; unqualified hotel employees, insufficient in job training and lack of capital. Other challenges which were found included unreliable electricity and inadequate of essential hotel services and facilities. Besides that, the findings also indicated that measures taken by small and medium sized hotel operators to address the above identified challenges included conducting in job training, using personal serving and selling of beach grounds and using generators. Finally the study recommended various measures which should be taken by decision and policy makers to address the identified challenges for development of small and medium sized hotel operators as well as for the growth of the tourism sector