Morocco Plans 60,000 New Hotel Beds Ahead of 2030 FIFA World Cup
Morocco is set to expand its hotel capacity by 60,000 beds - roughly a fifth of its current total of just over 300,000 - in preparation for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain. Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor described the tournament as "an accelerator, not an end in itself," with the government committing more than 190 billion dirhams (approximately US$20 billion) to infrastructure development spanning rail, roads, airports and stadiums.
The expansion builds on significant momentum already underway: Morocco welcomed nearly 20 million tourists in 2025, making it Africa's most visited destination, and has added 45,000 hotel beds over the past four years alone. The country is targeting 26 million visitors annually by 2030, with growth strategies focused on attracting travellers from China, the United States and the Middle East through improved air connectivity. Morocco's central bank projects tourism revenue will reach a record 161 billion dirhams by 2027, up from 138 billion dirhams in 2025. Efforts are also under way to diversify beyond established hotspots such as Marrakech and Agadir, with the capital Rabat being developed as a hub for cultural, sporting and business travel.
Source: Reuters
