The role of the internet in the promotion of bed and breakfast and guesthouses in Mthatha

Abstract

The study investigated the role of the internet in the promotion of Bed and Breakfast as well as Guest houses establishments in Mthatha. These establishments are an important sector in the hospitality industry in South Africa and due to a number of developmental projects in Mthatha over the last decade, there has been a rapid increase in such businesses especially in the upmarket suburbs of the town. This increase in the number of establishments has resulted in increased competition for business. The internet has radically altered today ‘s media landscape and presents the hospitality industry with new opportunities to promote their companies. It also enables hospitality industry managers to find out what people need, what content they are looking for, and how one’s company can help them. The nature of the study was exploratory, and fulfilled the purpose of the study using a qualitative research method. The theoretical approach applied in this research was the evalue model. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The study revealed that the hospitality sector can benefit greatly if they use the internet strategically to achieve growth.