Special needs customers are those who need the help of a partner or another person for normal daily
activities because of physical or mental disability. The study aims to investigate the ability of the
Egyptian hospitality industry to accommodate special needs customers. A questionnaire was used
to gather data and measure respondents’ perceptions of the subject under investigation. The study
sample comprised six major five star hotel chains in Egypt; personnel representing the following
departments were contacted and asked to complete the research tool: human resources, sales and
marketing, and rooms division. It was assessed that there is a need to improve the quality and quantity
of services and products offered to individuals with special needs; in addition hospitality operations
staff should be provided with the proper training required to attract and satisfy such a
sensitive segment.
Keywords: Special needs customers, hospitality industry, accessibility, information, healthcare,
entertainment