Morocco plans to expand its hotel capacity by 60,000 beds by 2030 as it prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal….reports Africa Daily News Desk
Morocco is planning to add 60,000 hotel beds by 2030 as part of its preparations to co-host the FIFA World Cup for the first time, alongside Spain and Portugal.
The expansion is aimed at ensuring the country has sufficient accommodation capacity for the global football tournament, Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor said.
Morocco is also seeking to capitalise on the momentum generated by its national football team’s historic run to the World Cup quarterfinals and strengthen a tourism sector that accounts for around seven per cent of the country’s gross domestic product and supports thousands of jobs.
The North African nation welcomed nearly 20 million tourists last year, making it Africa’s most visited destination. Authorities have set a target of attracting 26 million visitors annually by 2030.
Over the past four years, Morocco has added 45,000 hotel beds, taking the country’s total accommodation capacity to more than 300,000 beds.
The government has also invested more than 190 billion Moroccan dirhams (around 17.8 billion euros) in transport and public infrastructure ahead of the tournament. The spending covers railway networks, roads, airports, stadiums and urban development projects designed to support the World Cup and long-term economic growth.
As part of its tourism strategy, Morocco plans to increase arrivals from China, the United States and the Middle East by expanding air connectivity with those markets.
The country is also looking to diversify its tourism offering beyond traditional destinations such as Marrakech and Agadir. Officials aim to position the capital, Rabat, as a centre for culture, sports and business tourism.
Morocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, marking the first time the tournament will be jointly staged by countries from Europe and Africa.
