Iraq has made significant strides in its tourism sector with its recent election as Vice-Chairman of the Middle East Committee at the United Nations Tourism Organization. This accomplishment not only underscores the advancement of Iraq’s tourism landscape but also reaffirms the nation’s legitimacy for this prestigious international position.
Omar Al-Alawi, the Prime Minister for Tourism Affairs, commented on this achievement, stating that it is part of a broader spectrum of benefits that Iraq has experienced, particularly after enduring challenging circumstances in previous years. He emphasized that this progress coincided with the government’s renewed focus on tourism, which is now recognized as a crucial driver of economic growth following initial reforms that prioritized essential services and economic frameworks.
Al-Alawi highlighted the designation of Baghdad as the capital of Arab tourism as a pivotal step towards bolstering Iraq’s tourism sector. However, he stressed that merely holding the title is insufficient; it necessitates tangible actions supported by robust plans and programs aimed at fostering tourism investment, hosting major international conferences, and organizing events such as the UN Tourism Conference in Baghdad, along with meetings of the Arab Tourism Council. Additionally, he noted ongoing agreements with the Arab Tourism Organization to initiate development projects that promote both domestic and international tourism.
Revitalizing Archaeological and Historical Sites
Among the key initiatives underway is the development project for the ancient city of Aqarf, which Al-Alawi referred to as a “qualitative leap” in the enhancement of Iraqi archaeological sites. He reported that efforts to rehabilitate this site began prior to Baghdad’s selection as the Arab tourism capital, driven by direct instructions from the Prime Minister. Current undertakings focus on improving infrastructure and offering facilities to welcome visitors.
Al-Alawi expressed that these efforts aim to convert the new designs for the Aqarouf site into reality, setting a benchmark for future developments in other archaeological locations across Iraq. He commended the contributions of engineer Istrabrq for designing the project, which expertly merges heritage with modernity, drawing inspiration from the historic Zaqoura at the site.
Promoting Domestic Tourism through Educational Initiatives
In a strategic effort to foster archaeological awareness among younger generations, the Prime Minister has directed the Ministry of Education to reinvigorate school trips to historical sites. Al-Alawi noted that more than 3,000 schools are located within the Karkh district alone, indicating the substantial potential for thousands of students to visit these important sites each year, thus enhancing their understanding of Iraq’s rich historical identity and bolstering domestic tourism.
For the success of this initiative, Al-Alawi emphasized the need for adequate infrastructure to accommodate the influx of visitors, which includes developing service facilities, rest areas, and accessibility options for individuals with special needs. The project has been referred to the Baghdad Governorate, where a dedicated budget has been allocated for its execution. He reaffirmed that efforts are underway to actualize these plans to facilitate tourism development.
Positioning Tourism as a Fundamental Economic Sector
In conclusion, Al-Alawi underscored the notion that tourism in Iraq transcends being a peripheral concern; it is now an integral component of the government’s broader economic strategy, with long-term objectives aimed at increasing tourist influx and boosting investment within the tourism sector. He conveyed optimism regarding Iraq’s potential to experience a genuine renaissance in tourism in the years ahead, reinforced by the government’s continuous efforts and international collaboration that will unveil new opportunities for sector development.
Through these initiatives, Iraq is taking significant strides to revive its rich heritage and transform it into a vital economic resource that supports sustainable development within the country.
