Morocco’s tourism boom fuels football fever ahead of AFCON and 2030 World Cup

Morocco has officially claimed the title of Africa’s most visited country, welcoming a record-breaking 17.4 million international tourists in 2024, according to a Ministry of Tourism report.

This milestone underscores the nation’s rising status as a premier destination for both leisure and football enthusiasts.

The surge in tourism, a 20% increase from 2023 and a 33% leap from pre-pandemic levels in 2019, comes as Morocco prepares to host major football tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025 and the FIFA World Cup in 2030, alongside Spain and Portugal.

Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor celebrated the achievement, stating, “This milestone brings us closer to our goal of ranking among the world’s top 15 tourist destinations.”

Key developments fueling this growth include 120 new airline routes, such as American Airlines’ direct Newark-Marrakech flight, and luxury hotel openings by brands like Four Seasons and Nobu. Revenue from tourism climbed to $11 billion in 2024, setting the stage for Morocco’s football-fueled global appeal.

Hosting AFCON is expected to showcase Morocco’s world-class stadiums and infrastructure, while the FIFA World Cup will position the nation on the global football map, attracting millions more fans.

These events are projected to push annual tourist arrivals to 26 million by the end of the decade, blending Morocco’s rich culture with its passion for football.