Morocco's Tourism Soars on World Cup Aspirations
Morocco's thriving tourism industry is gearing up for an even bigger challenge: the bid to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. With record-breaking visitor numbers in 2023 and the momentum from a stellar World Cup performance, the North African nation is positioning itself for a tourism boom.
"This event will consolidate all ongoing plans and projects," remarked Adel El Fakir, director of the Moroccan National Tourism Office, at the 14th Forum of the Syndicate of Tour Operating Companies (SETO), held in Rabat last week. Over 150 tourism professionals from around the globe gathered in Morocco's capital from April 24th to 26th, underscoring the country's growing status as a premier travel destination.
The statistics reflect this success. An impressive 14.5 million tourists visited Morocco in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and generating €10 billion in revenue. French visitors were the most numerous, making up over a third of the total.
This success has been driven by a €600 million investment from the Moroccan government, underscoring the country's commitment to developing its tourism industry. However, Morocco's ambitions extend further, with plans to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
"This event will be a huge opportunity for tourism," announced Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor, emphasizing the World Cup's unmatched marketing potential. Morocco's bold performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has already attracted global attention, setting the stage for a significant influx of visitors.
The potential to host the world's most popular sporting event has spurred a wave of infrastructure developments, including new accommodations, roads, and airports. This growth is expected to attract a diverse group of international travelers eager to experience Morocco's rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and expanding tourism facilities.
During the SETO forum, René-Marc Chikli, the syndicate's president, and Hervé Tilmont, its general manager, expressed their strong support for Morocco, particularly in light of the September earthquake in Marrakech. Their statements highlighted the nation's resilience and unwavering spirit.
As the world looks ahead to the 2030 World Cup bid, Morocco's tourism industry appears poised for even greater success, driven by the dream of hosting the ultimate football championship.