An international report predicts that Iraq will become a tourist destination in light of the current growth.
An international report predicts that Iraq will become a tourist destination in light of the current growth.
2025-10-05 03:51
Shafaq News – Special Translation
The World Travel and Tourism website highlighted the strong rise of Iraq’s tourism sector, which now generates revenues of nearly $6 billion. The website emphasized that by enhancing its ability to attract more tourists and visitors through cultural diversity, religious significance, and marketing, the country can achieve a bright future for the tourism sector.
According to the website’s report , translated by Shafaq News Agency, the tourism industry in Iraq has witnessed a significant increase, with total revenues reaching $5.7 billion in 2024, representing a 25% increase over the previous year.
The report considered this increase to reflect the strength and hope of the Iraqi tourism industry, as the growth in tourist revenues also indicates the growing economic footprint of the industry, which represents a vital component of Iraq’s economic diversification strategy .
The report indicated that Iraq currently ranks seventh among Arab countries in terms of tourism sector revenue, explaining that “the United Arab Emirates generated $57 billion, Saudi Arabia $41 billion, Egypt $15.3 billion, Morocco $11.3 billion, Qatar $8.4 billion, Jordan $7.2 billion, and Iraq $5.7 billion.”
Although Iraq ranked 7th, the report stated that “its tourism industry reflects strong prospects and is likely to continue growing as the country focuses on expanding its tourism infrastructure and enhancing its cultural heritage.”
The report continued, “Religious tourism plays a significant role in increasing tourism revenues, as Iraq is home to some of the most important Islamic pilgrimage sites, including Karbala, Najaf, and Samarra, which attract millions of visitors annually. Visitors from Iran, India, and other regions come to Iraq to visit these holy cities, especially during occasions such as Ashura and Arbaeen. These visits contribute significantly to supporting local economies, including the transportation, hospitality, and tourism sectors in these cities.”
In addition, the report addressed ongoing cultural restoration projects in Iraq, noting that they also play a major role in increasing tourism interest. In this context, it highlighted the restoration projects at Babylon and the Ishtar Gate, funded by the World Monuments Fund and the US Embassy in Baghdad.
The report noted that these restoration projects not only contribute to preserving historical sites, but also make them accessible to tourists and promote Iraq’s rich cultural history to the world .
Therefore, the report considers that with more archaeological sites being opened to the public, Iraq is now positioned to become a major center for cultural tourism, shaping its image as a destination for both historical tourism and modern experiences .
He pointed out that Baghdad’s selection as the Arab Capital of Tourism for 2025 represents another milestone in the flourishing tourism sector in Iraq, as this designation provides Baghdad with an opportunity to showcase its tourism assets, including its rich history, ancient monuments, and modern tourism infrastructure.
He explained that “recognizing Baghdad as a major tourist destination will lead to increased investment in tourism infrastructure, enhance the capital’s ability to host international visitors, and establish itself as a cultural and economic center in the Middle East.”
However, the report noted that Iraq faces numerous challenges in fully realizing its tourism potential, citing “security concerns, a lack of modern infrastructure, and public awareness, which the report considers to be obstacles to attracting greater numbers of international tourists.”
The report found that Iraq’s tourism strategy needs to focus on improving infrastructure such as airports, hotels, and transportation systems; addressing security concerns and enhancing tourist safety; promoting ecotourism, cultural tourism, and adventure tourism to attract a diverse group of visitors; and leveraging international partnerships to secure funding and technical support for restoration and development projects .
If this is achieved, the report believes that Iraq will be able to transform tourism into a major driver of economic growth, explaining that “the growing importance of tourism in the Iraqi economy has broader implications for local communities, including gains from hospitality, transportation, retail, and cultural services, while local businesses that rely on tourism spending directly benefit, such as souvenir shops, restaurants, and tour operators.”
He added that “in cities like Karbala and Najaf, tourism has become a vital source of income for local residents, who provide services such as tour guides, transportation, and accommodation for pilgrims and tourists.”
The report concluded that Iraq has the potential to attract more international tourists and achieve a “bright future for the tourism industry,” adding that “Iraq can position itself as a leading tourist destination in the Middle East and North Africa.”
shafaq.com
