Program Supporting the Development of Tourist Attractions — Stream 2

This grant program offers repayable financial contributions to enhance hotel infrastructure and expand tourist accommodations across Quebec. It aims to improve existing facilities and add new units, fostering growth in the hospitality sector.

The Fonds de financement pour les établissements hôteliers aims to support the enhancement and expansion of Quebec's hotel infrastructure by providing financial assistance in the form of loans. This initiative, managed by Investissement Québec for the Ministère du Tourisme, is designed to aid hospitality businesses in renovating and upgrading their facilities or expanding their operations to better accommodate tourists. The fund is accessible to a variety of entities including for-profit organizations, non-profits, cooperatives, and recognized Indigenous communities or nations. This broad eligibility ensures that a wide range of establishments can benefit from the program, contributing to economic growth and sustainability in the tourism industry.

The grant's objectives are primarily focused on improving the quality and capacity of hotel accommodations. By targeting the renovation and modernization of rooms, meeting spaces, public areas, and building exteriors, as well as the construction of new hotel infrastructures, the program encourages an increase in both the appeal and functionality of these establishments. Projects can also include the acquisition or expansion of existing hotels, although new construction projects in central tourist zones such as Montreal and Quebec City are ineligible. This regional consideration underscores the program's intention to diversify and boost tourism potential in less saturated markets.

Financial assistance through this program ranges from $100,000 to $5 million, offering a significant boost to projects both modest and extensive. With a maximum amortization period of 20 years and flexible repayment terms, including a possible two-year moratorium on capital and interest capitalization during this period, the financial structure is crafted to support sustainable business growth. The requirement for private investment, generally set at a minimum of 20% of eligible expenses, signals a commitment to leveraging both public and private resources for maximum impact, with amendments for Indigenous communities and projects on the Îles-de-la-Madeleine where the requirement drops to 10%.

Eligible expenses under the grant include working capital, equipment, and capital expenditures, encouraging enterprises to undertake comprehensive upgrades and improvements. Such investments not only promise enhanced tourism offerings but also increase overall competitiveness in the hospitality sector. Importantly, the program also emphasizes sustainable development and social responsibility, asking applicants to demonstrate commitment in these areas or integrate sustainable construction principles in their projects, thus ensuring long-term viability and ethical business practices.

The provision of this grant aligns with broader strategic efforts to strengthen the tourism infrastructure in Quebec, promoting a resilient economic environment adaptable to shifting industry trends and consumer preferences. With application submissions accepted until December 31, 2025, the program offers ample time for businesses to prepare their proposals. Interested applicants are guided to ensure their business is registered on BonjourQuébec.com and meet all criteria to effectively leverage this funding opportunity.

Ultimately, the Fonds de financement pour les établissements hôteliers represents a crucial tool for empowering the Quebec hotel industry. By facilitating major renovations and the addition of new amenities, it enables hotels to meet modern traveler demands while securing their position as key players in the province's vibrant tourism landscape.