AN EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTS OF DECORATION ON PATRONAGE OF HOTELS IN ABEOKUTA METROPOLIS, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study evaluated the effects of decoration on patronage of hotels in the Abeokuta metropolis. The specific objectives are to assess the socio economic characteristics of the hotel staff in the area of study. The types of interior and exterior decoration used by the hotels as well as the services provided, infrastructure and furnishing materials, including the maintenance capability and the attitude of staff (respondent) towards the pattern of decoration of the hotels were also examined. A total of 200 questionnaires were administered on 38 hotels purposively selected for the study. Findings revealed that majority of the hotel customer were within the active age of between 31-50 years. The findings also showed that most of the respondents were male (65%) and had formal education (100%). Chi-square tests showed significant relationship between the effects of hotel decoration and socio-economic characteristics of the respondents. X² cal = 81.189 was greater than X² tab = 9.488 at the 5% significant level and d.f = 4, suggesting that patronage had a significant relationship with the effect of hotel decoration. There was also a significant relationship between the effects of decoration and services provided by the hotels as X² calculate was 289.72 which was greater than X² from the table X² = 3.841 at 5% level of significant and d.f = 1. Correlational analysis showed that there were positive correlation (r = 0.1416) between hotel decoration and patronage; this implies that a better decoration will bring higher patronage. This project concludes that the use of good interior decoration, sound renovations and general cleaning of the hotel surroundings encouraged patronage and contributed well to the success and development of the hotels, thereby increasing patronage and income.