Morocco, Africa’s leading tourism destination, is launching a US$4 billion initiative to expand its hotel capacity by 20 percent ahead of co-hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030 with Spain and Portugal, officials said. The plan aims to add 25,000 rooms across the country, a scale described as unprecedented in Morocco’s history.
The Moroccan Tourism Development Agency, SMIT, said most of the 700 planned projects will be funded by local investors, while international hotel brands are expected to operate at least 15 percent of the new properties. Imad Barrakad, head of SMIT, noted the move represents a strategic shift from merely increasing visitor numbers to prioritizing quality and long-term economic impact.
Morocco’s tourism sector already plays a central role in the national economy. In 2025, the country welcomed nearly 20 million visitors, generating approximately US$14.8 billion in revenue. Tourism supports around 900,000 jobs and contributes 9% to GDP, while historic cities such as Marrakesh, Fez, and Tangier continue to attract a steady flow of international travelers.
“Morocco is concentrating on attracting the right investors for the right projects, guided by a vision that will endure over time,” Barrakad said, emphasizing the government’s focus on sustainable and high-quality tourism infrastructure.
The upcoming FIFA World Cup serves as a key catalyst for the expansion. Authorities have committed to upgrading stadiums, transport networks, and urban infrastructure in host cities to accommodate the expected influx of visitors. These upgrades are designed not only for the tournament but to leave a lasting impact on Morocco’s urban development.
More Read
The World Cup-related investments are part of a broader push to position Morocco as a hub for international sports and tourism. In addition to hotels, the government is expanding road and rail networks, upgrading airports, and enhancing public services in major cities. These projects aim to strengthen the country’s connectivity and capacity to host global events.
Morocco has also attracted international attention from major partners. Reports indicate that French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Nicolas Forissier, plans a visit to discuss football-related economic opportunities, including potential partnerships in stadium management, hospitality, and transport infrastructure. Officials from the French Football Federation and Morocco’s Football Federation will reportedly meet to explore investment avenues.
The expansion comes amid broader economic growth. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects Morocco’s GDP to expand by 4.4 percent in 2026, slightly below the 4.9% growth recorded in 2025. While rising energy costs pose challenges, Morocco’s tourism sector, along with robust fertilizer exports, has historically helped absorb external shocks.
Despite the ongoing U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, which has disrupted some flights from Gulf states, Morocco’s tourism development remains largely unaffected. Europe and North America accounted for 85% of inbound visitors in 2025, underscoring the resilience of its core markets.
Industry analysts say the $4 billion hotel expansion reflects a strategic combination of private investment and public planning. By prioritizing quality infrastructure and long-term economic impact, Morocco aims to ensure that the World Cup serves not only as a sporting spectacle but also as a driver of sustainable tourism growth.
With 25,000 additional rooms planned and strategic international partnerships in play, Morocco is positioning itself to meet both domestic and international demand for accommodation while strengthening its reputation as a top-tier destination for global events.
The government’s efforts demonstrate a forward-looking approach, aligning large-scale investment in hospitality, transport, and urban development with broader economic and tourism objectives.
