Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraq has unveiled an ambitious long-term strategy to transform its tourism sector, aiming to attract 10 million visitors by 2035 through infrastructure upgrades, workforce development, and the preservation of the country’s rich historical, cultural, and religious heritage.
The Iraqi Tourism Authority announced on Tuesday that it has finalized the Iraq Tourism Vision 2035, a roadmap launched under the slogan “A Prosperous and Competitive Iraq.” The initiative is designed to position Iraq as a leading tourism destination in the region while supporting economic diversification beyond the oil sector.
Ali Yassin, spokesperson for the Tourism Authority, said the agency will begin organizing workshops in Baghdad, Mosul, Basra, Karbala, and Erbil to present the vision’s objectives and implementation mechanisms to stakeholders across the country.
The workshops aim to engage local governments, tourism professionals, and investors in executing the strategy over the coming decade.
According to the authority, the plan seeks to attract 10 million tourists by 2035, with a focus on promoting Iraq’s archaeological, cultural, religious, and natural attractions.
Officials said achieving the target will require significant investment in tourism infrastructure, including improving transportation, accommodation, visitor services, and restoring key heritage sites across the country.
The strategy also calls for the rehabilitation and maintenance of archaeological landmarks, museums, religious sites, and other destinations that showcase Iraq’s diverse historical legacy.
The Tourism Vision 2035 is built around three strategic pillars: integration, sustainability, and quality.
Officials said these principles will guide efforts to create a more competitive tourism industry while ensuring long-term preservation of Iraq’s cultural and natural resources.
The plan also emphasizes improving coordination among government institutions and the private sector to encourage investment and strengthen the country’s tourism ecosystem.
In addition to infrastructure projects, the Tourism Authority highlighted the importance of developing skilled professionals capable of supporting the industry’s growth.
The vision includes programs to strengthen the capabilities of workers in the tourism sector through training and capacity-building initiatives, recognizing that qualified personnel are essential to delivering high-quality visitor experiences.
The Tourism Authority said the long-term strategy reflects its commitment to restoring Iraq’s position as a prominent international tourism destination.
By combining investment in infrastructure, heritage preservation, sustainability, and workforce development, officials hope the plan will contribute to economic growth while showcasing Iraq’s unique cultural and historical assets to visitors from around the world.
