“Integrating Hospitality into Airport City Development: A Critical Analysis of Hotel Development at R.G. Mugabe International Airport in Harare, Zimbabwe.”

Abstract

The rapid evolution of global aviation hubs has transformed airports from simple transport nodes into complex ecosystems—termed airport cities or aerotropoli. Within these urbanized airspaces, hospitality infrastructure, especially hotels, plays a critical role in integrating passenger comfort, economic activity, and territorial branding. This paper critically analyses the integration of hospitality within airport city development at R.G. Mugabe International Airport (RGMI), Harare, Zimbabwe. Drawing on the principles of airport urbanism, infrastructure economics, and hospitality management, the review assesses the current and potential hotel developments in the airport precinct. Findings indicate that the strategic inclusion of hotel facilities can catalyze the airport’s transformation into a multifunctional economic hub aligned with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030. However, policy fragmentation, investment constraints, and limited spatial planning coordination hinder realization. The paper concludes by offering policy and planning recommendations for harmonizing hospitality and aviation development to optimize regional competitiveness.