Significance of demographic variables on perceived attention restoration using biophilic strategies in luxury hotels in Nigeria

Natural environments have been discovered to promote restoration from mental fatigue and improve cognitive performance. In hotels, patrons creating these restorative environments is of great importance to ensure a truly rejuvenating stay for patrons. However, luxury hotels in Nigeria often struggle to effectively incorporate restorative elements that cater to their diverse international clientele, which leads to suboptimal guest experiences. This study examines the impact of biophilic design strategies on creating restorative spaces in luxury hotels in Abuja, Nigeria, and how demographic variables moderate these effects. It adopts Attention Restoration Theory (ART) as a conceptual framework and employs a quantitative approach to evaluate the influence of biophilic elements on perceived restorativeness. Data was gathered from a survey of 415 hotel guests in Abuja. Major findings indicate that visual connections with nature, spacious environments, and a balance of complexity and order significantly contribute to attention restoration. Age and cultural background were identified as significant moderators, with older adults and non-Nigerian guests perceiving higher levels of restoration in certain aspects. In contrast, gender did not substantially affect the association between biophilic elements and perceived restorativeness. The study therefore highlights the importance of tailoring hotel environments to diverse demographic needs to enhance guest well-being. The findings provide a practical framework for hotel designers to integrate biophilic design principles efficiently and it emphasizes the design of environments that cater to the distinctive preferences of different age groups and cultural backgrounds. Recommendations include strategic placement of natural elements, advocating for sustainable design policies, and further research into optimizing biophilic interventions for various hotel types.