Organizing the World Cup as an economic lever: Investing in tourism in Morocco from the perspective of major

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the FIFA World Cup as a strategic lever for enhancing Morocco’s national economy, with a particular focus on investment opportunities in the tourism sector within the context of hosting a major global event. The study is based on the premise that organizing the World Cup is not merely a sporting event, but a unique opportunity to restructure the tourism infrastructure and strengthen Morocco’s appeal as an international destination.

The paper explores the anticipated benefits of hosting the tournament, such as improved infrastructure, expansion of hotel capacity, global promotion of Morocco’s image, stimulation of local economies, and the creation of both temporary and long-term employment opportunities—especially for young people. It also examines the medium- and long-term positive impact on tourist flows and investments related to tourism and services.

On the other hand, the study addresses key challenges that may hinder the realization of these expected outcomes, including high organizational costs, the risk of underutilized infrastructure post-event, and the need for effective governance in managing large-scale projects and ensuring their sustainability.

The study concludes that Morocco’s ability to capitalize on the World Cup as a development catalyst depends on its capacity to channel this event into a comprehensive growth dynamic, placing tourism at the heart of its economic strategy and ensuring the alignment of economic gains with social and environmental goals within a broader development vision.