Economic benefits from the 2010 FIFA World Cup: the case of Zimbabwe’s hotel and lodging sector

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the economic benefits from the 2010 FIFA World Cup. To do this, a key component of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, the hotel and lodging sector, was isolated. The economic benefits were proxied by the number of foreign tourist arrivals around the mega event. Data for the study was gathered through questionnaires and interviews, and the study units comprised a sample of 87 hotels and lodges in the country’s prime tourist destinations. The study established that despite efforts made to host the anticipated visitors, players in Zimbabwe’s hotel and lodging sector did not benefit. The policy recommendations drawn are that though the short term benefits can be negligible, there are potentially sustainable long term benefits.