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What is the CAP Hospitality Initiative? Guide for hotels

  Posted in Resources  Last updated 11/12/2024

What is the CAP Hospitality Initiative?

The CAP Hospitality Initiative is a strategic program launched by the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism to enhance the country’s tourism accommodations and infrastructure. This initiative aims to improve service quality, upgrade infrastructure, and adopt sustainable practices within the hospitality industry in Morocco, & it includes comprehensive training programs for hospitality staff, encouraging the adoption of best practices and advanced technologies to improve guest experiences.

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What are the objectives of the CAP Hospitality Initiative?

There are four main objectives of the initiative, which are:

  • Infrastructure Improvement: The initiative focuses on renovating and modernizing existing hotels and developing new, eco-friendly lodging options. This is part of Morocco’s broader strategy to align its accommodations with international standards.
  • Financial Support: The program offers financial assistance, including loans of up to 100 million dirhams, to finance the renovation of hotel infrastructure. The Moroccan government supports this by covering interest costs, aiming to modernize 25,000 rooms with an expected investment of 4 billion dirhams.
  • Sustainability Focus: By emphasizing sustainability, the initiative seeks to attract environmentally conscious travelers and position Morocco as a leader in sustainable tourism. Hotels must meet specific environmental standards and implement energy efficiency improvements.
  • Support for Major Events: The CAP Hospitality Initiative also supports Morocco’s bid to host major international sporting events like the African Cup of Nations 2025 and the World Cup 2030 by ensuring high-quality tourist accommodations.

When did the initiative launch?

The CAP Hospitality Initiative launched on July 15, 2024, with the following key phases:

  • Initial Application Period: Applications are processed on a rolling basis starting July 15, 2024
  • Project Implementation: Hotels have up to 24 months to complete approved renovations
  • Target Completion: The initiative aims to modernize 25,000 rooms by 2026

Eligibility and Application Process

The eligibility requirements for the loans are as follows:

  1. Classification: Must be a Classified Tourist Accommodation Establishment (EHTC)
  2. Renovation Status: No major renovations in the last five years
  3. Project Scope: Must include approved renovation, upgrading, furniture acquisition, or energy efficiency programs
  4. Financial Standing: Must demonstrate sound financial management and ability to provide 20% contribution

Required Documentation

The documentation required for the loan are as follows:

  • Completed digital application form
  • Detailed renovation plans and budgets
  • Environmental impact assessment
  • Financial statements for the past 3 years
  • Proof of classification status
  • Energy audit results
  • Project timeline and implementation plan

Application Evaluation Process

Once you’ve completed the application, below are the next steps:

  • Initial review: 2-3 weeks
  • Technical evaluation: 4-6 weeks
  • Financial assessment: 2-3 weeks
  • Final decision: Within 3 months of submission
  • Appeals process available within 30 days of decision

More information on the initiative can be found here 

By Mark Dawson

Mark is the Performance Marketing Director at SiteMinder, the only software platform that unlocks the full revene potential of hotels. With nearly 20 years experience in digital marketing and technology, Mark understands how important it is to ensure brands are visible online and that hotels maximise their potential from a range of digital channels as cost-efficiently as possible.

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