Morocco plans to add 60,000 hotel beds before hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup as the country attracts international investment in tourism, hospitality and infrastructure.
The investment drive will feature at the third annual Morocco Showcase, scheduled for November 26 in Casablanca, where global hotel brands, investors, tourism officials and local operators are expected to explore opportunities in the country’s growing hospitality and real estate sectors.
According to a press release, Morocco’s tourism development agency, Société Marocaine d’Ingénierie Touristique (SMIT), is the event’s institutional investment partner.
The country, described in the release as Africa’s most-visited destination, is preparing for increased visitor demand ahead of the World Cup, with international hotel operators expanding their presence.
Radisson Hotel Group, for instance, plans to increase its Moroccan portfolio from 11 to 30 hotels by 2030.
“Morocco offers a compelling opportunity for hotel development, supported by investment in infrastructure and a clear ambition to grow its tourism sector,” said Erwan Garnier, Associate Vice President, Development, Africa, at Radisson Hotel Group.
“Radisson Hotel Group is working with owners to identify the right brand and operating model for each location, from urban business hubs to established leisure destinations. As preparations for the FIFA World Cup gather pace, the opportunity is to create hotels with lasting commercial potential,” Garnier said.
He added: “Morocco Showcase brings investors, developers and operators together at an important moment to explore partnerships and move projects forward.”
Morocco ranks second in Africa for hotel development projects, with 75 hotels comprising 10,606 rooms in the pipeline, according to W Hospitality Group’s 2026 Hotel Chain Development Pipelines in Africa report. About 70 per cent of the planned rooms are expected to open in 2026 and 2027.
David Desta, Vice President, Hotels & Hospitality, Africa, at JLL, said Morocco continued to strengthen its position as an attractive destination for hospitality and tourism investment.
“Strong visitor demand, expanding air connectivity, government-backed tourism initiatives and the continued growth of international hotel brands are supporting long-term confidence in the market. We expect sustained investor interest across hospitality, mixed-use and broader real estate sectors, particularly in gateway cities such as Casablanca and Marrakech.”
Recent transactions also point to growing investor interest. Casablanca-listed hotel owner and operator Risma has completed two major acquisitions since 2025: the Tangier Corniche plot and the purchase of CMG, which owns Radisson Blu Marrakech Carré Eden and the adjoining shopping mall. The transactions were valued at $67 million.
Risma also sold Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche to Pickalbatros for $46 million. In April, it strengthened its partnership with Accor to renovate and reposition hotels and develop the Tangier Corniche project.
Morocco’s capital markets have also expanded. The Casablanca Stock Exchange, with a market capitalisation exceeding MAD1 trillion ($103 billion), welcomed its 80th listing in December 2025 and launched a futures market and clearing house in April 2026.
Meanwhile, pan-African real estate private equity firm Kasada, backed by the Qatar Investment Authority and Accor, has been selected by the Mohammed VI Investment Fund to manage a Moroccan tourism fund.
In March, S&P Global affirmed Morocco’s investment-grade rating of BBB- with a stable outlook, while Moody’s affirmed its Ba1 rating with a positive outlook, citing the country’s institutional and governance strengths.
API Events Commercial Director Murray Anderson said international capital was playing a growing role in Morocco’s development plans.
“We’re witnessing an unprecedented commitment of global capital – from the likes of GCC sovereign wealth funds and DFIs – into Morocco’s hospitality and infrastructure growth ambitions,” Anderson said.
“At Morocco Showcase, we’re excited to bring the major roleplayers behind this growth, and those eyeing the opportunities, together to shape the future of hospitality and real estate landscape ahead of and beyond the 2030 FIFA World Cup.”
The November conference will examine hotel performance in Morocco’s major cities, the expansion of local operators alongside international brands and opportunities for boutique, luxury and eco-tourism businesses.
Sessions will also explore investment structures, including how Moroccan family offices are moving from direct development into co-investment and fund arrangements, as well as how diaspora interest can translate into committed capital.
Other discussions will focus on mixed-use developments, logistics along the Tangier Med corridor, investment in special economic zones and returns in the office and retail sectors.
The closing plenary will give Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakech and Rabat the opportunity to present investment opportunities, including land availability, pricing and suitable property sectors.
The event will conclude with the Morocco Showcase Awards gala dinner, recognising achievements in commercial and residential property, hospitality, green development, innovation and lifetime achievement.
The Morocco Showcase will take place on November 26 at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca. The in-person conference will be conducted in English and French, with parallel sessions, a deals room and an awards gala.
Registration is available at https://apo-opa.co/4zC3UDq
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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