Place of hotel characteristics and security systems in hotel operations, Nigeria

The issues of crime and its associated effects on hotel operations have gotten much attention; however, this is scarcely studied in African contexts. Besides, there is a dearth of information on how hotel characteristics and the adoption of security measures can mediate the relationship between crime occurrence and its effects on hotel operations. This study systematically examined whether hotel characteristics and the adoption of security measures can moderate the interaction of perceived crime occurrence and hotel operation, evidence from Ibadan municipality, Nigeria. Questionnaire administration was used to elicit information from the hotel staff in 2021. Frequency table, percentages, mean, correlation, and Ordinary Least Squares Regression (OLS) were used in the analysis and interpretation of data. Results through the use of correlation show that crime occurrence (personal and property crime) has a significant and positive effect on hotel operations. Examination of personal and property crimes separately shows that both have positive and significant effects on hotel operations, with property crime having a more significant effect. Findings revealed that the number of available rooms and adoption of security measures moderate the effect of crime on hotel operation, while the nature of services rendered does not predict the effect of crime on hotel operation. Lastly, this study addresses theoretical implications that support the framework of the routine activity theory as well as practical implications that suggest ways and methods of preventing crime occurrence.