Baghdad: The Tourism Authority announced the launch of new eco-friendly projects and improved entry facilities aimed at attracting more tourists to Iraq. These initiatives are designed to enhance the country’s tourism appeal by addressing environmental concerns and improving infrastructure.
According to Iraqi News Agency, Ali Yassin Abdul-Redha, the Director of Relations and Media and Spokesperson for the General Authority for Tourism, disclosed that the Authority is collaborating with the Ministry of Environment to tackle environmental challenges, particularly those stemming from industrial and oil activities. This collaboration focuses on integrating environmental standards into development plans for tourism and archaeological sites, alongside enhancing environmental awareness programs to preserve the sustainability of these sites.
Abdul-Redha highlighted that the Authority is promoting ecotourism as a promising avenue by encouraging investment in eco-friendly projects and supporting natural destinations
like the marshes and rural areas. To ensure ecological balance, guidelines for tourism establishments are being prepared to comply with environmental requirements.
In efforts to improve infrastructure, the Authority is working with the Ministry of Construction, Housing, Municipalities, and Public Works, as well as traffic directorates, to enhance the road network leading to tourism and archaeological sites. This includes opening alternative routes, expanding vital roads, organizing tourist bus movements, and dedicating lanes for tourist groups to alleviate traffic congestion.
Furthermore, the Authority is coordinating with the Ministry of Interior and other relevant bodies to streamline entry visa procedures for tourists. This includes developing the electronic visa system and adopting modern mechanisms to facilitate tourist entry and movement.
These strategic measures are part of a broader government initiative to bolster the tourism sector as a key economic contributor and to increase Iraq’s engagement w
ith regional and international tourism.