Morocco is intensifying preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup by significantly expanding its hotel capacity. For the first time, Morocco will co-host the tournament alongside Spain and Portugal. To ensure the event runs smoothly, the country plans to add 60,000 hotel beds by 2030, according to the tourism minister.

The government has already increased hotel capacity by 45,000 beds over the past four years, bringing the total to just over 300,000. Morocco welcomed nearly 20 million tourists last year, making it Africa’s most visited destination. Authorities hope to capitalize on the national football team’s historic run to the World Cup quarterfinals and strengthen a tourism sector that supports thousands of jobs and accounts for about 7% of the country’s GDP.

In addition to hotel expansion, officials have invested more than 190 billion dirhams (approximately 17.8 billion euros) in rail, road, airport, stadium, and urban infrastructure ahead of the tournament. Future growth efforts will focus on attracting more visitors from China, the United States, and the Middle East through improved air links. Morocco also aims to diversify tourism beyond Marrakech and Agadir by positioning Rabat as a hub for culture, sports, and business travel.

A 2009 file photo shows the swimming pool of the legendary Marrakesh hotel La Mamounia, a symbol of Morocco’s hospitality sector.

Sources