Baghdad, November 30, 2024 — Iraqi President Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid has met with Dr. Bandar Al-Fuhaid, the President of the Arab Tourism Organization, and his accompanying delegation. The meeting, which took place in Baghdad, focused on enhancing collaboration to further develop Iraq's burgeoning tourism sector, capitalizing on the country's rich cultural heritage and historical significance.
During the meeting, President Rashid expressed his appreciation for the Arab Tourism Organization's pivotal role in fostering tourism-related cooperation across the Arab world. He highlighted Iraq’s vast historical and cultural assets, emphasizing the country's ancient civilization, which includes iconic sites such as the ruins of Babylon, the ancient city of Ur, and the historic landscapes of Mesopotamia. These landmarks, along with Iraq’s diverse natural beauty, position the country as a potential powerhouse in regional and global tourism.
President Rashid acknowledged the critical role that the Arab Tourism Organization can play in advancing Iraq’s tourism sector. He discussed opportunities for leveraging the organization's resources, networks, and expertise to promote Iraq as a premier tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the Arab world and beyond. The discussions also highlighted the need for investment in infrastructure, the development of sustainable tourism practices, and the establishment of initiatives aimed at preserving Iraq’s cultural heritage while enhancing its tourism appeal.
Dr. Bandar Al-Fuhaid, for his part, expressed the Arab Tourism Organization’s full support for Iraq's efforts to develop its tourism industry. He reiterated the organization's commitment to promoting Arab tourism and building regional cooperation to enhance the tourism sector in member states. Dr. Al-Fuhaid also recognized the importance of Iraq’s tourism potential and assured the Iraqi leadership that the Arab Tourism Organization would work closely with the country to foster partnerships, provide technical assistance, and help shape a comprehensive tourism development strategy.
This meeting marks a significant step in strengthening the ties between Iraq and the Arab Tourism Organization, aligning with Iraq’s broader efforts to diversify its economy by tapping into its tourism potential. The development of the tourism sector is seen as a key strategy in Iraq’s economic revitalization and international integration, with the country poised to emerge as a prominent cultural and historical tourism hub in the Arab world.