In This Article
Subscribe to International Updates
Alaa al-Marjani/AP
Najaf Airport, Iraq
Najaf Airport, Iraq
Iraq Urges Tourism, Despite Dangers
July 23, 2008 1:22 PM
With the violent insurgency waning, Iraq is working harder to promote its tourism industry, but the United States warns travelers against making the trip.
Email This30-Second Summary
Attracting tourists will be an uphill battle for Iraq, as many historic archaeological sites were heavily damaged in the war.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of State discourages travelers from heading to Iraq because of security concerns.
“Besides the threat to safety, tourists would face other problems, including a lack of infrastructure such as rundown hotels and overstretched medical facilities,” reported the Boston Herald.
However, a new airport has been completed and is now functioning in Najaf, a Shiite holy city. Officials hope the airport will attract more religious pilgrims, thousands of whom already travel to Najaf each year.
Bringing tourists to other Iraqi locales could be more challenging. After invading Iraq in 2003, the United States chose Al-Hillah, the present-day site of the ancient city of Babylon, as a base for military operations, resulting in great damage to its archaeological sites. However, the UN and wealthy donors are funding restoration efforts.
Other attempts by Iraq to promote tourism have been made in recent years, and some areas of the country seem poised for resurgence.
Reuters points out that “massive investment” will be needed to create jobs and “cement security gains” before tourism can truly take off.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of State discourages travelers from heading to Iraq because of security concerns.
“Besides the threat to safety, tourists would face other problems, including a lack of infrastructure such as rundown hotels and overstretched medical facilities,” reported the Boston Herald.
However, a new airport has been completed and is now functioning in Najaf, a Shiite holy city. Officials hope the airport will attract more religious pilgrims, thousands of whom already travel to Najaf each year.
Bringing tourists to other Iraqi locales could be more challenging. After invading Iraq in 2003, the United States chose Al-Hillah, the present-day site of the ancient city of Babylon, as a base for military operations, resulting in great damage to its archaeological sites. However, the UN and wealthy donors are funding restoration efforts.
Other attempts by Iraq to promote tourism have been made in recent years, and some areas of the country seem poised for resurgence.
Reuters points out that “massive investment” will be needed to create jobs and “cement security gains” before tourism can truly take off.
Headline Links: Iraq’s new hope
According to the Boston Herald, the Iraqi government has a new focus: tourism. Attracting travelers will be extremely challenging, as war has destroyed some of the country’s most prized historical attractions, such as Babylon. Despite fewer insurgent attacks, Baghdad is still considered dangerous.
Source: Boston Herald
Reuters reported that the inaugural flight to the new airport in Najaf, a Shiite holy city, occurred on July 20, 2008. Iraqi tourism officials hope the airport will encourage more visitors, particularly pilgrims heading to the shrine of Imam Ali and other religious sites.
Source: Reuters
Background: Tourism’s baby steps
In March 2007, Iraq’s Tourism Ministry presented the “Spring Fair,” an exhibition of items made by local artists and craftsmen, as well as photographs of holy sites around the country. The event was held in a Green Zone hotel in Baghdad, and was considered an attempt “to lay the groundwork” for future tourism, said USA Today.
Source: USA Today
In 2003, U.K. company Hinterland Travel led the “first post-war” group tour of Iraq, according to the BBC. Just one month prior to the scheduled tour, a suicide bombing at the UN building in Baghdad resulted in 20 deaths, but a leader of the tour group said tourism was “a way for Iraqis to once again become self-reliant."
Source: The BBC
Related Topic: Bringing Babylon back
In January 2005, U.K. newspaper The Guardian reported that Iraq archaeological authority John Curtis discovered “substantial damage” to the ancient city of Babylon during an investigative visit. It is believed the damage was caused by the presence of the U.S. and Polish militaries.
Source: The Guardian
In April 2006, the International Herald Tribune revealed how Babylon had “paid the price of war.” According to archaeologists, American soldiers had “used soil thick with priceless artifacts to stuff sandbags,” but UNESCO was investing millions into the ancient’s city’s restoration, said the IHT.
Source: International Herald Tribune
Reference: Travel advice and warnings
The U.S. Department of State “continues to strongly warn U.S. citizens against travel to Iraq,” as the country is still considered “dangerous, volatile and unpredictable” in spite of security improvements. Even the International Zone is considered potentially dangerous for the military and civilians.
Source: U.S. Department of State
The findingDulcinea Middle East Travel Web Guide is a valuable resource for anyone wishing to learn more about the region. For potential visitors, the guide links to travel warnings, provides cultural insights and lists blogs presenting information from travelers who have been there. A journey to Iraq is not to be taken lightly, and thorough preparation is essential.
Source: findingDulcinea
© 2008 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
