Morocco will add 60,000 hotel beds before the 2030 World Cup, its tourism minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor told Reuters.

The increase would lift capacity by approximately a fifth from current levels.

Official data shows the country now has just more than 300,000 hotel beds, after adding 45,000 over the past four years, according to the publication.

The expansion is part of a broader effort to use the tournament to support long-term tourism growth. Morocco will co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.

"We see the 2030 FIFA World Cup as an accelerator, not an end in itself," Ammor said.

The government is investing more than Dh190bn (approximately $20bn), in rail, roads, airports, stadiums and other urban infrastructure ahead of the event.

The number of matches to be hosted by each of the three countries has not yet been decided.

Morocco is seeking to build on the international attention it gained after its run to the semi-finals at the last World Cup in Qatar, becoming the first African and Arab team to reach that stage.

Tourism is a key sector for the country. It employs thousands of people and contributes 7% of gross domestic product.

Morocco welcomed nearly 20 million tourists last year, making it the most visited destination in Africa. It is targeting 26 million visitors by 2030.

The country's central bank expects tourism revenue to reach a record Dh161bn in 2027, up from Dh138bn in 2025.

Additional air links from Europe have helped support recent growth in the sector.

Ammor said the "next phase of growth" would focus on attracting more visitors from China, the US and the Middle East through improved air connectivity.

Morocco is also trying to broaden tourism beyond established destinations such as Marrakech and Agadir.

Part of that strategy includes developing Rabat as a centre for cultural events, sports events and business travel, supported by its historic sites, museums and sports facilities.