Morocco plans to expand its hotel capacity by about 20% before co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its tourism sector and support long-term economic growth.
Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor said the country aims to add 60,000 hotel beds to its existing capacity of just over 300,000. The expansion comes as Morocco prepares to host the tournament alongside Portugal and Spain. FIFA has not yet announced how matches will be allocated among the three host nations.
The government is investing more than 190 billion dirhams (about $20 billion) in transport, airports, roads, rail networks, stadiums and other urban infrastructure linked to the tournament.
“We see the 2030 FIFA World Cup as an accelerator, not an end in itself,” Ammor said.
Tourism is a key sector of Morocco’s economy, contributing about 7% of gross domestic product and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. Officials hope the infrastructure investments will generate benefits beyond the tournament by improving connectivity and attracting more international visitors.
Official data show Morocco has added 45,000 hotel beds over the past four years. The country welcomed nearly 20 million visitors in 2025, making it Africa’s most visited tourism destination, and is targeting 26 million annual visitors by 2030. Morocco’s central bank projects tourism revenue will increase from 138 billion dirhams in 2025 to a record 161 billion dirhams in 2027.
The government also plans to diversify tourism beyond established destinations such as Marrakech and Agadir. Officials intend to strengthen air links with China, the United States and the Middle East while positioning the capital, Rabat, as a destination for cultural events, sports and business travel.
The hotel expansion and infrastructure projects form part of Morocco’s broader preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with authorities aiming to use the global event to support sustained growth in tourism and related industries.
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