With record-breaking tourism numbers already on the books for 2024, the country is preparing for a transformation that promises to enhance the travel experience and solidify its position.
Marrakech – As Morocco gears up for the 2030 World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal, the country is positioning itself as a prime destination for global tourism.
With major investments flowing into its airport, railway, and sports infrastructure, Morocco is set to undergo a significant transformation aimed at welcoming millions more visitors, wrote Le Figaro in an article published yesterday.
In a reminder of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch’s announcement on Monday of an “ambitious plan” to increase Morocco’s airport capacity, Le Figaro says that “these efforts not only address the needs of the World Cup but also aim to support the country’s growing tourism sector.”
The newspaper detailed that Morocco welcomed 15.9 million tourists in the first 11 months of 2024, marking a “historic record” that has already surpassed the total for 2023.
In addition to airport expansions, the focus is also on extending the high-speed rail network, which is set to serve 43 cities by 2040, covering 87% of Morocco’s population.
These upgrades not only cater to the needs of the World Cup but also support Morocco’s rapidly growing tourism sector.
Tourism growth and infrastructure overhaul
Morocco has already broken records in tourism, welcoming 15.9 million visitors in the first 11 months of 2024, surpassing the entire 2023 total.
This growth has been driven in part by the expansion of new flight routes, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
However, the Marrakech-Menara Airport, one of the country’s busiest, is now grappling with chronic congestion.
Originally designed to handle 9 million passengers annually, it is struggling to cope with the influx of tourists, leading to long queues at security and customs and mounting frustration.
To address these issues, urgent measures have been implemented to streamline operations, but a long-term capacity boost is critical.
The modernization plan unveiled by Akhannouch aims to resolve these challenges by 2030, ensuring smoother experiences for travelers.
Connecting Morocco: high-speed rail to the rescue
Alongside airport expansions, Morocco is also investing in its high-speed rail network, with the Tanger-Casablanca line set to be extended to Marrakech before 2030.
Plans are already underway to connect Agadir by rail, with the entire network expected to reach 43 cities by 2040, covering 87% of the country’s population.
This expanded rail system will not only ease domestic travel but also enhance Morocco’s appeal as a tourism destination, offering faster, more efficient connections across the country.
As these infrastructure projects unfold, Morocco is poised to solidify its role as a key player in global tourism, ensuring a smooth, enjoyable experience for visitors ahead of its hosting duties for the 2030 World Cup.
