Hotel Atmospherics and Guests' Experience in the Nigerian Hospitality Industry

Abstract

In this study, we explored how hotel atmospherics could be applied to enhance guests’ experience in the Nigerian hospitality industry. The study specifically aimed to determine the effects of ambience, interior-exterior design and social environment on guests’ experience in Nigerian hotels. We adopted cross-sectional survey research design. Using a structured questionnaire survey, primary data were obtained from 369 hotel guests. The data obtained were descriptively analyzed and interpreted. The hypotheses of the study were then tested using multiple linear regression. The findings thereof revealed that ambience, interior-exterior design and social environment had significant positive effects on guests’ experience in the Nigerian hospitality industry. Hence, we recommended that hospitality firms’ manager must intentionally and strategically manage atmospheric dimensions on a consistent basis to reinforce their capacity to project positive images and cues capable of stimulating desired responses from customers. Other practical suggestions are also presented along with theoretical suggestions for future research.