Stakeholders’ perceptions of the expansion of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport

Abstract

This study analyzed stakeholders’ perceptions of the expansion of Robert Mugabe International Airport. Airport expansion is recommended by aviation protocols IATA and ICAO and it is highly practised in the first world countries who have funding to grow their economies. The study was chosen because there are literature gaps on expansion of airports in Zimbabwe. First world countries airport expansion projects have been very successful and they have benefited their countries economically, socially and environmentally because of measures put in place to protect the environment. The main aim of the study was to examine stakeholders’ perceptions of the expansion of RGM International Airport to the perceived benefits as a result of the expansion. The targeted population was officials from Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Hotel and Lodges, and National handling services. They played a pivotal role in providing with relevant information for the study. The study adopted a qualitative approach in gathering both primary and secondary data. Primary data was inform of telephone interviews and questionnaires were used in this research as well as secondary data which comprise of reports, newspapers and internet. The study established that the expansion of Robert Mugabe International Airport had both negative and positive impacts to stakeholders’ in the tourism and hospitality sector. The Harare community also benefited from the expansion of the airport through employment creation and development of infrastructure. The study identified business strategies implemented by stakeholders’ as a result of the expansion of RGM International Airport as well as challenges brought by the expansion. The study also recommends that hotels and lodges must develop their infrastructure so as to carter for increasing in volume of tourist. The study also recommends further studies on the challenges faced by tourism stakeholders’ as a result of the expansion of airports in Zimbabwe. A study similar to this research can also be done to incorporate all stakeholders’ in Zimbabwe.