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 in economic characteristics of the hotel staff in the area of study. The types of interior and exterior decoration used by the als 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 18 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. Xcal = 81.189 was greater than X' tab = 9.488 at the 5% significant level and df = 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 Xfrom the table X2 = 3.841 at 5% level of significant and df = 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.