Morocco plans to increase its hotel capacity by about 60,000 additional beds by the time it co-hosts the 2030 World Cup, equivalent to about a fifth of the current hotel capacity in the country, according to Moroccan Tourism Minister Fatima Zahra Ammor.

Morocco has been in a state of media and sporting momentum since reaching the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, after becoming, four years ago, the first African and Arab team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Moroccan officials are seeking to capitalize on this renewed interest to achieve long-term gains for the tourism sector, which provides hundreds of thousands of jobs for Moroccans and contributes about 7% of the country's GDP.

Tourism Minister Fatima Zahra Ammor said in statements to Reuters, "We view the 2030 World Cup as an accelerator for development, not a goal in itself."

The Moroccan government is investing more than $20 billion in projects to build and expand railways, roads, airports, stadiums, and other infrastructure in preparation for hosting the tournament, which Morocco organizes in partnership with Spain and Portugal.

Official data showed that Morocco has already added 45,000 hotel beds over the past four years, raising the current total capacity to more than 300,000 beds.

The tourism minister added that the "next phase of growth" will focus on increasing the number of tourists coming from China, the United States, and Middle Eastern countries, by improving air connectivity and expanding international flight networks.

At the same time, Morocco is working to diversify its tourist destinations and not limit itself to traditional cities such as Marrakech and Agadir.

This strategy includes turning the capital Rabat, with its ancient historical landmarks, museums, and sports facilities, into a major center for hosting cultural and sporting events and business trips.

Fatima Zahra Ammor concluded her statements saying, "We need to implement investments that create sustainable and long-term value for Moroccan tourism."