Evaluating the accessibility of Hospitality infrastructure for disabled visitors in Lagos state: Challenges and opportunities for inclusive development.

Abstract

Accessibility in the hospitality industry is a concern raised and implemented over the years in many industrialized world societies. Despite this global movement, very little is being done about accessibility in Nigeria’s hospital industry. While accessibility holds several direct and indirect benefits for the country’s industry, these benefits are denied by several challenges such as cultural, structural, legal, and interpersonal problems all of which also limit the quality of life and choices available to persons with disabilities. This study investigates the accessibility of Lagos State’s tourism and hospitality industry, addressing key questions regarding the current state of accessibility, barriers faced by persons with disabilities when accessing hotels in Lagos, policies regulating accessible tourism for hotels in Lagos, the socio-economic factors and geographical considerations that influence the accessibility of hotels in the state, and suggestions for improving accessibility in Lagos State hotels. The study employed the mixed methods approach to collect qualitative and quantitative data from hotel managers in Lagos State, Nigeria. Findings from the study reveal that while accessibility infrastructures are gradually improving, significant gaps remain. Furthermore, the study identified significant barriers faced by people with disabilities in Lagos state including inadequate physical structures, poor transport systems and traffic congestions, poor customer service and unwillingness of hotel staff to provide support for people with additional needs leading to suboptimal services for guests with diverse needs. The study also highlights issues with policy implementation indicating that despite the presence of regulations, enforcement and compliance are inconsistent due to factors like high costs of procuring accessibility infrastructure and government inefficacy. The result further demonstrates that improving accessibility has substantial economic benefits, including attracting international tourists, increasing tax revenues, and fostering job creation. The study concludes by emphasizing the critical need for collaborative efforts towards enhance accessibility in Lagos’s hospitality industry. Based on the results, the study suggests that by addressing infrastructural deficiencies, diversity training for hospitality staff, and strict enforcement of regulatory standards, the sector can become more inclusive and economically beneficial.

Keywords: Accessibility, Hospitality Sector, Hotel Managers, Lagos State, Persons with Disability, Accessible Tourism and Inclusive tourism