WTM: Iraq eyes inbound tourism and investment opportunities

Board chairman Hammoud al-Yaqoubi said  “We have decided to come to London this year, because we recognise that WTM is the world's premier travel fair and we already know how much expertise there is in the UK”.

British expertise in the field is well recognised.  The British Museum has for some time been leading the way in supporting the research and interpretation of Iraq’s cultural heritage, which is such a key part of the country’s emerging tourism product.  The ancient cities of Babylon and Ur are key sites, whilst Baghdad was for centuries the intellectual capital of the Islamic world, leading in astronomy, literature, mathematics and music.  According to some historians, the Garden of Eden is 50 miles north of Basra, the city from which Sinbad set sail in The Thousand and One Nights .  With 5,000 years of history, Mesopotamia is the cradle of civilization.  

UK travel firm Hinterland Travel’s Managing Director Geoff Hann, who has pioneered the return of tourism to Iraq said  “Tourism is in its infancy after the problems of recent years, but the sites are worth seeing and this really is where civilization began”.  Following his most recent tour last month, he commented: “The mood in Iraq was upbeat, vibrant and improving daily.  The security situation ensured that we could see almost all of the important sites, but for the foreseeable future all visitors should pack some patience and flexibility!”  

With many of the country’s 784 hotels in a poor state, the Board is keen to speak to investors that share its vision and ambition and is also seeking assistance with hospitality and other training.

Dunira Strategy's Benjamin Carey said:  “Security remains the greatest challenge, but tourism in Iraq has the potential to be transformational, contributing to national identity, helping to rebuild confidence and tackle some of the sectarian scars and creating enduring social and economic opportunities, especially for young Iraqis.  Although Iraq will for some time be for specialists and intrepid travellers, it is a destination waiting to be discovered by tour operators and individual tourists.”