Abstract: This study assessed the effect of menu diversity on the development of the hospitality and tourism industry in Kigali City, Rwanda. It focused on how offering a variety of food choices can improve customer satisfaction, strengthen the competitiveness of hospitality establishments, and contribute to tourism development. The study adopted a cross-sectional case study design using a mixed-methods approach. A total of 60 respondents participated in the study. Total enumeration was used for the quantitative component, while purposive sampling was applied to select key hotel personnel for interviews. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and observation checklists. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 28, with descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, multiple regression analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Qualitative data were analysed thematically using NVivo. The findings showed that menu diversity was positively associated with hospitality and tourism development, with an overall mean of 4.32 and a strong positive correlation ((r = 0.895, p < 0.001)). Regression analysis also indicated a positive predictive effect of menu diversity ((\beta = 0.323)). These results suggest that providing a wide range of menu options can help hospitality establishments meet different customer preferences, improve dining experiences, and attract a broader range of visitors. The study concludes that menu diversity is an important consideration in strengthening the hospitality and tourism industry in Kigali City. It recommends that hospitality establishments regularly review their menus to accommodate diverse tastes, cultural backgrounds, dietary needs, and changing customer expectations. They should also use customer feedback, repeat visits, menu-item performance, and food and beverage revenue to assess the effectiveness of their menu offerings and identify opportunities for improvement. By aligning menu choices with customer needs and tourism trends, hospitality establishments can enhance their competitiveness and contribute to the continued development of the hospitality and tourism industry in Kigali City.
Keywords: Menu Diversity; Hospitality Industry; Tourism Development; Customer Satisfaction; Kigali City, Rwanda.
Title: Assessing the effect of menu diversity on the development of the hospitality and tourism industry Kigali City, Rwanda
Author: Murekatete Jeannine, Dr. Paul OKUMU
International Journal of Life Sciences Research
ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)
Vol. 14, Issue 4, October 2026 - December 2026
Page No: 83-90
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 04-November-2026