Key factors that impact the expansion of multinational hotel companies into developing countries : Libyan context

Abusa, M

Abstract

Multinational hotel companies (MHCs) have played a significant role in the development and continuity of the travel and tourism industry in the world. The presence of these companies in the accommodation sector continues to
increase. In some countries, MHCs represent 70% of the total number of hotel companies. However, the presence of MHCs in Libya is less than 1% out of the total number of Libyan hotel companies. This study aims to develop an in-depth understanding of the requirements and needs of MHCs in order to encourage them to expand their activities into Libya and also aims to look at the main benefits that Libya may obtain from the involvement of these companies.
The face-to-face semi-structured interview was adopted as a data collection method. The data came from seven hotel managers (informants) from the top ten MHCs in the world. These were the Hilton Hotels Corporation, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Golden Tulip Hospitality Group, Accor, Marriott International, Hyatt International Corporation and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. The interviewees were key decision-makers in their various hotel companies and had participated in the management of hotel businesses in the
Middle East and some North Africa countries.
The study findings generally confirmed that the Government of Libya should adopt a clear policy towards MHCs which should be transformed into a comprehensive plan. Such a policy should clarify how MHCs could be attracted to the country, taking into account the requests and needs of these companies.
Additionally, there are many benefits that Libya could obtain from the involvement of MHCs in the country. Therefore, significant recommendations to the decision-makers, both within the Libyan government and within other
countries' authorities who would also wish to encourage MHCs are made.
These recommendations could be used as guidelines in formulating the right policies in order to encourage MHCs to expand their activities into developing countries and into Libya in particular.

Citation

Abusa, M. Key factors that impact the expansion of multinational hotel companies into developing countries : Libyan context. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2009