RABAT, July 10 (Reuters) - The number of tourists visiting Morocco in the first six months this year grew to 7.4 million, up 14% compared with the same period last year, Morocco's tourism ministry said on Wednesday.

Last year, the country welcomed a record 14.5 million tourists. It expects to attract 17.5 million tourists in 2026 and 26 million by 2030, when Morocco will co-host the World Cup together with Spain and Portugal, according to official figures.

Tourism accounts for 7% of Morocco's gross domestic product and is a key source of foreign currency.

(Reporting by Ahmed Eljechtimi; Editing by Jon Boyle)