Baghdad: The Tourism Authority at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities has designed a specialized tourism program for the Finnish Ambassador to Iraq. This program aims to introduce the ambassador to Iraq’s most prominent tourist, archaeological, and cultural sites as part of a broader initiative to enhance tourism promotion within the country.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the program was developed under the guidance of Nasser Ghanem Murad, head of the Tourism Authority. It includes visits to key historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Taq-i Kisra (Arch of Ctesiphon) in the city of Madain, which the ambassador visited today. This visit provided the ambassador with an opportunity to explore one of Iraq’s significant historical sites, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage.

The initiative aligns with the Tourism Authority’s strategy to activate tourism diplomacy. By leveraging official visits from diplomatic missions, the Authority seeks to promote Iraqi tourist destinations and highlight the nation’s cultural and historical assets. This approach aims to strengthen Iraq’s presence on the international tourism map.

The Tourism Authority emphasized that organizing tourism programs for guests and diplomatic figures is crucial for tourism promotion. Such efforts showcase Iraq’s cultural and civilizational diversity, paving the way for new avenues of cooperation and tourism exchange with various countries.

The ambassador’s delegation was accompanied by Saadi Mohsen, Director of the Translation Department, along with several staff members from the Public Relations and Media Department and international organizations within the Tourism Authority. Their participation was part of the Authority’s efforts to organize the program and introduce the cultural sites and landmarks included in the visit.