Agadir – Morocco plans to increase its hotel accommodation capacity by around 60,000 beds before co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, as authorities aim to transform the tournament into a long-term driver of tourism growth.
The planned expansion represents roughly one-fifth of the country’s existing hotel capacity, which has surpassed 300,000 beds following the addition of 45,000 beds over the past four years, according to official data cited by Reuters.
“We see the 2030 FIFA World Cup as an accelerator, not an end in itself,” Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor told Reuters.
The government is preparing a broad infrastructure push ahead of the tournament, allocating more than MAD 190 billion ( $20 billion) to projects covering railways, roads, airports, stadiums, and urban development.
Morocco’s tourism sector has gained renewed international attention since the national football team’s historic performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where it became the first African and Arab team to reach the semi-finals.
Authorities are seeking to convert this global visibility into sustainable growth for an industry that contributes around 7% of the country’s gross domestic product and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Expanding beyond traditional destinations
Morocco welcomed nearly 20 million tourists in 2025, maintaining its position as Africa’s most visited destination. The country has since set a target of reaching 26 million visitors by 2030.
Its tourism growth has also been supported by expanded air connectivity, particularly through new routes linking Morocco with international markets.
Ammor said the next phase of development will focus on attracting more visitors from China, the United States, and the Middle East by improving air connections and promoting new tourism experiences.
“The next phase of growth” will focus on increasing arrivals from China, the United States and the Middle East through improved air connectivity, Ammor told Reuters.
The government is also working to reduce pressure on established destinations such as Marrakech and Agadir by promoting other cities with cultural, business, and sporting potential.
Rabat positioned as cultural and events hub
Among the cities targeted for greater tourism development is Rabat, with authorities seeking to position the Moroccan capital as a hub for cultural events, sports competitions, and business tourism.
With its historic sites, museums, and expanding sports infrastructure, Rabat is expected to play a larger role in Morocco’s tourism strategy ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
“We need to make investments that create lasting value for Moroccan tourism,” Ammor said.
Morocco’s central bank expects tourism revenues to continue rising, projecting that they could reach MAD 161 billion by 2027, compared with MAD 138 billion recorded in 2025, according to figures cited by Reuters.
As preparations for the 2030 tournament accelerate, Morocco is seeking to ensure that investments made for the global sporting event continue generating economic benefits well beyond the competition itself.
