Choosing between alternative accommodation, using a discrete choice experiment

ABSTRACT

This research aims to investigate factors influencing accommodation choices using a discrete choice experiment. A probit model was used to analyse the data collected from 100 respondents using 28 choice set questions. The results indicate that accommodation facilities offering affordable prices, good safety and security facilities, together with good facilities and services, and are located within the city centre are the most preferred. Gender and income were also seen as a significant factor in accommodation choice preference. The findings provide insights into understanding the accommodation preferences of people. Implications for hoteliers and policymakers have also been discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• discrete choice experiment
• location
• tourist choice
• safety and security
• facilities/services
• price

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ricky Yao Nutsugbodo

Ricky Yao Nutsugbodo holds a PhD in Hospitality Management from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. He is a Lecturer at the Department of Ecotourism, Recreation and Hospitality, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana. His research interest is tourism transportation, accommodation, service quality.

Charles Kwofie

Charles Kwofie is a doctoral student in Statistics at the University of Ghana. He is a lecturer at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana. His research interest is application of probability theory in insurance and finance, discrete choice theory, economic models and risk mathematics.

Nancy Grace Baah

Nancy Grace Baah holds an MPhil in Hospitality Management from the University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana. She is currently an Assistant Lecturer at the Department of Ecotourism, Recreation and Hospitality, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana. Her research interest is food tourism, new technologies and branding in hospitality, and entrepreneurship in hospitality and tourism.

Dieu Donne Yormekpe

Dieu Donne Yormekpe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana.

Lawrence Kwaku Armah

Lawrence Kwaku Armah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana.