Adoption of ICT in Hotel Sector During COVID-19 Pandemic in Uganda: Case Study of Selected Hotels in Kigezi Sub Region

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) transformed tourism and hospitality worldwide; however, few studies have been conducted to present local evidence on adopting ICT in the hotel sector. The study aimed to examine the effects of ICT on the hotel sector in the Kigezi region, the adoption of ICT in hotels during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and ICT trends in the hotel business for 2023. The study employed a case study design, utilising qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide relevant and accurate research information. Using simple random and purposive sampling techniques, 68 respondents were selected to participate from a total population of 250. Primary data was collected through questionnaires and interviews with the hotel participants. The ANOVA results show a significant effect of ICT on hotel guests and receipts since the P-value is between 0.00 and 0.05. This indicates that the impact of ICT adoption extended beyond hotel receipts and guests. This research demonstrates that many hotels have adopted ICT and improved service speed and quality through ICT adoption. Even still, ICT adoption by hotels in the Kigezi Sub-region is not at the anticipated level