Iraq sets 2035 tourism target of 10 million visitors, 10% GDP share

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Culture, through its Tourism and Antiquities Authority, hosted a workshop in Baghdad to draft a national strategy for developing the country's tourism sector through 2035, developed in cooperation with Germany's Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). The workshop reviewed targets for 2035, including a 10% contribution from tourism to gross domestic product, the creation of 1.5 million jobs and the attraction of 10 million visitors. Matthias Bach, head of GIZ's Economic Transformation and Development department, said reaching the goals would require a shared strategy and coordinated work between the public and private sectors. Bach said five workshops will be held in Baghdad, Erbil, Karbala, Mosul and Basra. Deputy Culture Minister Qasim Muhsin said Iraq's economy remains heavily dependent on oil revenues, making tourism important for economic diversification. Academics, tourism experts and representatives of public institutions are set to contribute to the draft strategy. Iraq's tourism sector has been held back by security challenges, inadequate infrastructure and services, and the absence of comprehensive development plans, participants noted.