Global Economy
Morocco to Add 60,000 Hotel Rooms Ahead of 2030 FIFA World Cup
Morocco’s tourism ministry announced plans to increase the nation’s hotel capacity by 60,000 rooms – roughly 20 % of the current stock – before the jointly‑hosted 2030 FIFA World Cup. The move is part of a broader strategy to turn the country’s recent football success into lasting economic growth, targeting 26 million visitors by the end of the decade. The government is also earmarking more than MAD 190 billion (≈ USD 20 bn) for transport and urban infrastructure upgrades, while seeking to diversify the tourist offer beyond Marrakech and Agadir, with a special focus on Rabat as a hub for business and cultural events.
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Background
Following a historic run to the semi‑finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Morocco is using the spotlight to reinforce its tourism sector.
Hotel capacity expansion
The Ministry of Tourism revealed that the country will add 60,000 new hotel beds – roughly one‑fifth of the current stock – by the time the 2030 World Cup kicks off. In the past four years, 45,000 beds have already been created, pushing the total supply to just over 300,000 rooms.
Infrastructure investment
Morocco is committing more than MAD 190 billion (about USD 20 billion) to upgrade railways, highways, airports, stadiums and other urban assets before the tournament. The nation will co‑host the event with Portugal and Spain, though the exact allocation of matches remains undecided.
Tourism targets
Last year the kingdom welcomed nearly 20 million tourists, cementing its position as Africa’s most visited destination. The government aims for 26 million arrivals by 2030, with the central bank forecasting tourism revenues of MAD 161 billion in 2027 – a new record.
Strategic focus on connectivity and diversification
New air routes from Europe have already boosted arrivals, and the next growth phase will target visitors from China, the United States and the Middle East through improved flight connectivity. At the same time, Morocco seeks to broaden its appeal beyond the traditional hotspots of Marrakech and Agadir.
Rabat, with its historic monuments, museums and sports facilities, is earmarked to become a major hub for cultural events, sports competitions and business travel, according to Tourism Minister Fatim‑Zahra Ammor.
“We view the 2030 FIFA World Cup as an accelerator, not an end point,” Ammor told Reuters, emphasizing the need for long‑term, value‑creating investments in the tourism ecosystem.