Morocco strengthens its position as a leading hotel investment market in Africa

Wednesday 19 August 2026 - 12:28

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco strengthens its position as a leading hotel investment market in Africa

Morocco is emerging as one of Africa’s most attractive destinations for international hotel investment, with dozens of new properties currently under development across the country. The expansion reflects growing confidence in the Moroccan tourism sector, supported by rising visitor demand, improved infrastructure and the country’s increasing international connectivity.

According to figures cited by North Africa Post from W Hospitality Group’s Hotel Chain Development Pipelines in Africa 2026 report, Morocco currently has 75 hotels and resorts in development, representing approximately 10,606 rooms. This places the country second in Africa in terms of hotel projects under development, behind Egypt.

Several factors are contributing to Morocco’s appeal to global hotel investors. Its proximity to major European markets, diverse cultural and natural attractions, expanding air connections and improving transport infrastructure have strengthened its position as a year-round tourism destination.

Preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup are also expected to provide additional momentum. Morocco will co-host the tournament with Spain and Portugal, creating expectations of increased international arrivals and stronger demand for accommodation in major cities and emerging tourist destinations.

International hotel groups are responding to these opportunities by expanding their presence in the Moroccan market. Major brands such as Marriott International, Hilton, Accor, Radisson and IHG are pursuing new projects, covering a wide range of accommodation formats, from luxury resorts to business hotels, lifestyle properties and extended-stay facilities.

Marriott International, for example, plans to open seven additional properties in Morocco by the end of 2027, adding more than 800 rooms. The expansion is expected to introduce several of the group’s brands to new locations and strengthen its existing portfolio in the country.

BWH Hotels is also expanding its Moroccan footprint through BWH NWA in Casablanca, in partnership with Wejhat Hospitality. The partnership aims to develop 25 hotels across Morocco by 2030, with a combined capacity of around 2,750 rooms.

The expansion is increasingly extending beyond traditional tourism centers. New hotel developments in destinations such as Casablanca, Marrakech, Ouirgane and Ouarzazate demonstrate growing investor interest in emerging tourism markets. Expanding accommodation capacity in these areas could help attract further investment, create employment opportunities and support local businesses linked to tourism.

Morocco’s hotel investment boom is taking place against a broader transformation of its tourism industry. Better air connectivity, upgraded transport networks, new tourism destinations and a wider range of accommodation options are helping the country attract different categories of international and domestic travelers.

The 2030 World Cup represents an important long-term opportunity, but investors are also looking beyond the sporting event. The development pipeline suggests that international hotel groups are positioning themselves for sustained growth in tourism demand over the coming years.

With a growing portfolio of international brands and thousands of rooms under development, Morocco is strengthening its position as a major hotel investment hub in Africa. The country’s strategy is increasingly focused not only on expanding accommodation capacity, but also on diversifying tourism products and developing new destinations.