Key facts
- Morocco plans to expand its hotel capacity by 60,000 beds.
- This expansion represents approximately one-fifth of the country's current hotel capacity.
- The goal is to complete the expansion by the time Morocco co-hosts the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
- The government is investing over 190 billion dirhams in infrastructure projects.
- Morocco welcomed nearly 20 million tourists last year and aims for 26 million by 2030.
- Tourism revenue is projected to reach a record 161 billion dirhams in 2027.
Morocco intends to significantly expand its hotel capacity, adding 60,000 beds, which represents about a fifth of its current total, in preparation for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor stated that the tournament is viewed as an "accelerator" for the country's tourism sector.
The government is undertaking substantial infrastructure development, with investments exceeding 190 billion dirhams ($20 billion) in areas such as rail, roads, airports, and stadiums. This initiative aims to capitalize on the global attention generated by Morocco's recent success in the World Cup, where they became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals.
Morocco has already added 45,000 hotel beds in the past four years, bringing the total to over 300,000. The country welcomed nearly 20 million tourists last year and has set a target of attracting 26 million visitors by 2030. The central bank forecasts tourism revenue to reach a record 161 billion dirhams in 2027, up from 138 billion dirhams in 2025. Increased air connectivity from Europe has also supported the sector.
Future growth strategies include increasing arrivals from China, the United States, and the Middle East, alongside diversifying tourism beyond established destinations like Marrakech and Agadir. The capital, Rabat, is being developed as a hub for cultural and business events.