In this interview, Laurent Molina, Sales Director at RH&C, shares his expertise and looks at the keys to success for large-scale hotel projects.
Can you tell us about the challenges hoteliers face regarding Morocco's Vision 2030, and what consequences it has on your profession?
Morocco’s Vision 2030 for the tourism sector is particularly ambitious, aiming to welcome 26 million tourists. To achieve this, there are plans to significantly increase hotel capacity by adding between 100,000 and 150,000 additional beds. Hoteliers therefore face several challenges: investing in the construction and renovation of their properties, diversifying their offerings by integrating new concepts such as eco-tourism or wellness, and providing authentic experiences closely linked to local culture. On our end, this momentum requires us to manage a surge in projects with precision, which means optimizing our processes and continuously strengthening our professional skills.
What are the advantages of working with a partner who handles an entire turnkey project compared to a traditional design solution?
Choosing a partner who can manage a project from A to Z offers many advantages. First, it results in significant time savings and simplifies the process by eliminating the need to coordinate multiple stakeholders—this reduces delays and facilitates overall project management. Second, communication is centralized, which minimizes errors and ensures smoother information flow. Finally, it guarantees consistency between design and functionality, as the entire project follows a unified vision from start to finish.
What are the main challenges you face in meeting hoteliers’ expectations?
The main challenge lies in coordinating numerous trades while maintaining perfect consistency across different product categories. We must also meet increasingly high expectations from clients, often within tight deadlines.
What expertise must a fit-out provider have to meet deadlines and stay on budget with hoteliers?
An effective provider must demonstrate rigorous planning to anticipate each stage of the project. They must also manage risks proactively to avoid unexpected delays. Technical mastery and knowledge of sector-specific standards are essential, as is consistent quality monitoring throughout the project. It's crucial to define a realistic budget and stick to it, while delivering a fit-out that combines functionality and aesthetics, thanks to true design and ergonomic expertise. Lastly, the integration of sustainable and innovative solutions, along with solid management of partners and subcontractors, are key assets to ensure smooth and controlled execution.
How do you manage the coordination of the various stakeholders involved in a turnkey project (suppliers, architects, designers, etc.)?
Coordination is a fundamental pillar for meeting deadlines, controlling costs, and ensuring project quality. At RH&C, we’ve implemented a rigorous methodology. A dedicated project manager is systematically assigned to each project to ensure optimal follow-up. We clearly define each person’s roles and responsibilities through a precise organizational chart. Detailed planning and phased structuring allow us to optimize every stage of the project. We hold regular meetings and monitor progress through dashboards to ensure smooth communication. Lastly, we proactively manage the interfaces between different trades to avoid any friction or delays.
Can you share a success story in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
One of the most memorable projects in my career was the fit-out of a 5-star hotel in Taghazout, comprising 494 fully equipped apartments, all delivered in just six months. This project was a real challenge in terms of coordination, involving many teams and partners. Thanks to our experience and rigorous organization, we were able to deliver a facility that met the highest standards, while respecting both the deadlines and the initial budget. It’s a flagship project that perfectly represents our expertise and commitment to our clients.