Baghdad: The Iraqi Tourism Authority, in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), has initiated efforts to transform Iraq’s tourism sector into a sustainable economy by 2035. A workshop titled “A Proposed Vision for Preparing a National Strategy for Developing the Iraqi Tourism Sector until 2035” was held recently, under the auspices of the Acting Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities. The event witnessed participation from key figures including the Ministry’s Undersecretary, Qasim Taher Al-Sudani, the Head of the Tourism Authority, Engineer Nasser Ghanem Murad, the Head of the Antiquities Authority, Ali Obeid Shalgham, and various academics, experts, and sector representatives.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Undersecretary Qasim Taher Al-Sudani emphasized that the strategy aims to establish a tourism sector grounded in sustainable and developmental principles. He highlighted Iraq’s rich cultural, historical, religious, and natural assets, positioning the country as a potential key tourist destination both regionally and globally.
Al-Sudani elaborated on the necessity of transitioning from traditional methods to strategic long-term planning. This involves the collaborative efforts of the Ministry, the Tourism Authority, state institutions, governorates, and the private sector to convert Iraq’s tourism potential into viable and competitive projects.
Engineer Nasser Ghanem Murad, head of the Tourism Authority, echoed the sentiment by stressing the importance of the workshop in shaping a comprehensive national vision for tourism. He reiterated that tourism should be seen as an integrated economic sector rather than just a service activity.
The workshop’s discussions underscored the need to integrate tourism with antiquities, culture, and education, thereby developing a diverse Iraqi tourism product that honors cultural heritage while appealing to global tourists. Key topics included discussions on tourism investment, infrastructure development, workforce enhancement, legislative reforms, public-private partnership strengthening, and branding to boost Iraq’s competitive edge in the international tourism market.