Diwaniyah: The Tourism Authority announced on Saturday a strategic plan, developed in partnership with various ministries, to revitalize the tourism sector and create 1.5 million jobs.

According to Iraqi News Agency, the head of the Tourism Authority, Nasser Ghanem Murad, stated that an extensive workshop was held to discuss a proposed vision for developing a national strategy for the Iraqi tourism sector by 2035. This initiative is part of a project aimed at enhancing economic transformation in Iraq, in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

Murad noted that the workshop’s objective is to transform the strategic vision for 2035 into a strategic plan for the tourism sector, involving all state ministries, governorates, and the tourism sector itself. The plan, considered a national responsibility, will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval and will serve as the foundation for the sector’s development.

Matthias Bach, head of the department at the Economic Transformation Enhancement Project, highlighted Iraq’s remarkable tourism potential, where ancient heritage and modern landmarks coexist. The vision paper sets goals for 2035, including tourism contributing 10 percent to GDP, creating 1.5 million jobs, and attracting 10 million visitors. Achieving these goals requires coordinated action and a unified strategy between the government and the private sector.

Bach emphasized that the workshop is the first of five planned to be held in Baghdad, Erbil, Karbala, Mosul, and Basra. These workshops aim to test priorities with participants and gather insights on what is possible and realistic in advancing the tourism sector.

The project to promote economic transformation in Iraq, implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German government, supports the Ministry of Planning and other partners in economic development areas, including tourism. Bach expressed Germany’s pride in supporting the transition from a vision paper to a practical and implementable roadmap.

He concluded by stating that the future of Iraq’s tourism sector will depend on the collaborative choices made by the public and private sectors, ensuring that strategy aligns with practical implementation. The workshop is seen as a vital step in this collaborative process.