Morocco plans to add 60,000 hotel beds before the 2030 FIFA World Cup, expanding its accommodation capacity by about a fifth as the North African nation prepares to host the global tournament alongside Spain and Portugal.

The expansion is part of a broader strategy to use the tournament as a catalyst for long-term tourism and infrastructure growth rather than a one-off sporting event.

“We see the 2030 FIFA World Cup as an accelerator, not an end in itself,” Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor said.

The government has earmarked more than MAD190 billion (about $20 billion) for transport, airport, rail, road and stadium projects linked to the tournament. FIFA has confirmed Morocco, Spain and Portugal as the main hosts of the 2030 World Cup, while the allocation of individual matches is yet to be finalized.

Morocco’s preparations build on the country’s growing international profile after its historic run to the 2022 World Cup semifinals in Qatar, becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the last four. Officials hope the global exposure will continue to support tourism, a sector that contributes about 7% of gross domestic product and provides jobs for hundreds of thousands of people.

Tourism targets beyond 2030

Morocco has already increased hotel capacity by 45,000 beds over the past four years, lifting the national total to more than 300,000, according to official data.

The country welcomed nearly 20 million international visitors last year, making it Africa’s most visited tourist destination. It is targeting 26 million visitors annually by 2030.

Morocco’s central bank forecasts tourism revenue will rise to a record MAD161 billion ($17.2 billion) in 2027, up from an estimated MAD138 billion ($14.7 billion) in 2025.

Morocco builds global tourism reach

Improved air links, particularly with Europe, have supported visitor growth. The next phase will focus on attracting more travelers from China, the United States and the Middle East through expanded flight connections, Ammor said.

At the same time, Morocco is seeking to spread tourism beyond established destinations such as Marrakech and Agadir. The government is positioning the capital, Rabat, as a center for cultural festivals, international sporting events and business travel, supported by its UNESCO-listed heritage sites, museums and modern conference facilities.

The World Cup is also expected to accelerate investment in hospitality, urban transport and tourism services, helping Morocco strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading travel destinations well beyond the 2030 tournament.