Casablanca – Morocco is moving forward with plans to expand its tourism accommodation capacity as part of a broader strategy to support rising visitor numbers and prepare for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with the government targeting the addition of 60,000 hotel beds by the time the tournament begins.

The planned increase represents roughly 20% of the country’s current accommodation capacity and forms part of a wider tourism development strategy that extends beyond the World Cup itself. Moroccan authorities have repeatedly described the tournament as an opportunity to accelerate long-term investment in tourism infrastructure, improve the country’s competitiveness as a destination, and strengthen the sector’s contribution to the national economy.

Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor said the additional accommodation capacity will not be limited to large hotels, but will cover all categories of licensed tourist accommodation across the country. According to the minister, the objective is to ensure that Morocco has sufficient capacity to accommodate increasing tourist demand while creating assets that will continue serving the sector well after the tournament concludes.

The government has incorporated the accommodation expansion into its broader Vision 2030 tourism strategy, which seeks to position Morocco among the world’s leading tourism destinations while supporting balanced regional development and encouraging private investment throughout the country.

Officials have emphasized that preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup are intended to generate lasting economic benefits rather than temporary infrastructure linked solely to the sporting event. Morocco will co-host the tournament with Spain and Portugal, marking the first time the country will stage matches in football’s biggest international competition.

The tourism expansion is being supported by a wider public investment program exceeding $20 billion dedicated to upgrading transport and urban infrastructure ahead of the tournament. The investment program includes railway expansion, new and upgraded highways, airport modernization projects, stadium construction and renovation, and improvements to urban infrastructure in several host cities.

Although FIFA has confirmed Morocco, Spain, and Portugal as the principal hosts of the 2030 World Cup, the final allocation of matches among the three countries has not yet been announced.

The accommodation target builds on progress already achieved in recent years. Official data indicate that Morocco has added approximately 45,000 hotel beds during the past four years, bringing the country’s current accommodation capacity to slightly more than 300,000 beds.

The additional 60,000 beds would significantly increase the country’s ability to receive larger numbers of international visitors during major events while supporting continued tourism growth over the longer term.

Tourism has become one of Morocco’s most important economic sectors, accounting for around 7% of the country’s gross domestic product and providing employment for hundreds of thousands of people across hotels, restaurants, transportation, travel services, entertainment, and related industries.

The sector has recorded strong growth since international travel recovered following the pandemic. Morocco welcomed nearly 20 million tourists last year, making it the most visited destination in Africa according to official figures. The government has established a target of attracting 26 million visitors annually by 2030.

The country’s recent international sporting achievements have also contributed to raising its profile abroad. Morocco became the first African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar before advancing to the quarterfinals of the 2026 tournament, generating worldwide attention that tourism authorities hope will translate into increased visitor arrivals.

Financial projections also point to continued expansion in the sector. Bank Al-Maghrib expects tourism receipts to reach a record of approximately $17.3 billion in 2027, compared with about $14.8 billion in 2025. The anticipated growth is supported by increasing international demand, continued investment in tourism infrastructure, and the expansion of air connectivity with overseas markets.

Improving international flight connections remains one of the government’s priorities for supporting tourism growth. While Europe continues to represent Morocco’s largest source market, authorities are working to strengthen air links with additional regions in order to diversify visitor arrivals.

The next phase of Morocco’s tourism strategy is expected to focus on attracting larger numbers of travelers from China, the United States, and countries in the Middle East through expanded airline routes and improved connectivity.

At the same time, officials are seeking to broaden Morocco’s tourism offering beyond its traditional destinations. Cities such as Marrakech and Agadir remain among the country’s leading tourist centers, but the government is encouraging greater geographic diversification by promoting additional destinations with cultural, historical, natural, and business tourism potential.

Casablanca has been identified as one of the key pillars of this strategy. Authorities are working to strengthen the country’s largest city as a destination for international events, business travel, cultural activities, and sports by building on its expanding infrastructure, tourism facilities, and role as Morocco’s principal economic hub. The city is also expected to play a central role during the 2030 FIFA World Cup through major transportation and urban development projects.

Officials believe that expanding the range of destinations available to visitors will help distribute tourism activity more evenly across the country while supporting local economic development and increasing the average length of tourist stays.

The planned increase in accommodation capacity is also expected to encourage additional private investment in hotels and other tourism facilities. Government officials have stressed the importance of attracting investments that generate long-term value for Morocco’s tourism industry while improving service quality and expanding lodging options for different categories of travelers.

As preparations continue for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco’s tourism strategy combines infrastructure investment, accommodation expansion, improved international connectivity, and destination diversification. Together, these initiatives are intended to strengthen the country’s ability to accommodate growing visitor numbers while supporting sustainable growth in one of the country’s most important economic sectors long after the tournament has concluded.