Iraq’s Tourism Sector Grows with Strategic Investments and Global Partnerships, Here’s All You Need to Know

Iraq took great steps towards presenting its growing tourism sector in the fourth Iraqi Travel Market, held in Baghdad on February 6-7, 2026. Organized under the auspices of the Iraqi Tourism Authority, the event aimed at attracting foreign airlines, travel companies, and investors to help achieve the aspirations of Iraq in this field. The two-day market gathered key stakeholders from domestic and international tourism industries, representatives from airlines, hotels, and travel agencies, as Iraq works to expand its tourism sector in its pursuit of diversifying its economy.

Expanding Tourism to Drive Economic Growth

After decades of conflict, Iraq is now looking towards tourism as a key sector for economic growth. The Iraqi government has recognized the importance of this industry in its long-term strategy to rebuild and diversify its economy. The Iraqi Travel Market provided a platform to highlight the country’s diverse tourism offerings, including its rich archaeological sites, cultural heritage, and religious tourism attractions.

The exhibition featured various sessions designed to inform foreign and domestic tourists about the latest developments in Iraq’s tourism sector. One notable initiative discussed at the event was Iraq’s expanded electronic visa system, which now allows nationals from more than 60 countries to easily visit the country. This move is expected to significantly ease the process for international travelers and contribute to Iraq’s tourism growth by attracting a wider range of visitors.

A Focus on Iraq’s Rich Cultural and Religious Heritage

One of the major themes at the Baghdad Travel Market was positioning Iraq as a premier tourist destination in the Middle East. The country is home to numerous archaeological sites that date back thousands of years, including the ancient cities of Babylon, Ur, and parts of Mosul’s old city, all of which are undergoing significant rehabilitation efforts. These sites represent a wealth of historical and cultural significance that has yet to be fully realized for international tourism.

Religious tourism remains a significant aspect of Iraq’s tourism sector. The holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, in particular, have long been destinations for millions of pilgrims, primarily from Iran, Pakistan, the Gulf states, and South Asia. The Iraqi government has acknowledged the role of religious tourism in the country’s economic recovery, with estimates indicating that this sector generates billions of dollars annually, providing crucial support to local businesses, transport services, and hospitality sectors.

Despite the prominence of religious tourism, Iraq is making efforts to expand its appeal to a broader range of tourists. The government’s goal is to attract 10 million foreign visitors annually, with a focus on diversifying beyond religious tourism to include cultural, adventure, and eco-tourism experiences. This ambition is supported by ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure, including new hotels, travel agencies, and transportation services designed to meet international standards.

Iraq’s Growing Tourist Arrivals and Economic Impact

The Iraqi government’s strategy for increasing tourism is already yielding positive results. According to recent data, millions of foreign visitors entered Iraq in 2025, the majority of whom visited the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala. The religious tourism sector continues to play a vital role in the country’s economy, with millions of pilgrims visiting Iraq for significant religious events, such as Arbaeen. In 2025, more than 20 million pilgrims participated in this event, providing a significant boost to local businesses in central and southern Iraq.

Notably, Iraqi Kurdistan’s Duhok province saw about 1.7 million visitors in 2025. The province’s tourism sector is flourishing, with growing numbers of visitors attracted to its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and the region’s stable political environment compared to other parts of the country.

These figures underline the potential of Iraq’s tourism sector to generate substantial economic benefits. The continued growth of religious tourism, combined with the government’s efforts to diversify the tourism offerings, sets the stage for Iraq to become a more prominent destination for global tourists in the years to come.

Revitalizing Iraq’s Tourism Infrastructure

In addition to expanding its visa system and promoting its cultural and religious heritage, Iraq is also investing heavily in infrastructure. The government has undertaken several rehabilitation projects to restore and preserve Iraq’s key archaeological and heritage sites. These efforts are designed to ensure that Iraq can offer high-quality, authentic experiences for international tourists while preserving its rich history for future generations.

The country is also licensing new hotels and travel agencies to enhance the overall tourism experience. The growth of these businesses will not only improve the quality of services available to tourists but will also create new employment opportunities for Iraqis, contributing to the country’s economic recovery.

Furthermore, Iraq’s focus on modernizing its infrastructure is not limited to tourism-specific investments. The country is improving its transportation networks, including airports and highways, to ensure that tourists can access key destinations easily and comfortably.

Iraq’s Tourism Future: Challenges and Opportunities

While Iraq’s tourism sector is experiencing growth, there are challenges that must be addressed. Security concerns in certain regions, the need for more diverse tourism products, and competition from neighboring countries are among the factors that may affect the long-term success of Iraq’s tourism initiatives. However, the positive steps taken by the government to improve accessibility, restore cultural heritage, and expand the range of tourism experiences are significant indicators that Iraq is positioning itself to compete in the global tourism market.

The country’s ambition to attract 10 million visitors annually will require continued investment in infrastructure, security, and marketing. It also necessitates strong collaboration between the government, the private sector, and local communities to ensure that Iraq’s tourism development is sustainable and inclusive.

Iraq’s Tourism Sector Poised for Growth

The Baghdad Travel Market underscored Iraq’s commitment to becoming a key player in the global tourism industry. With its rich cultural heritage, religious significance, and natural beauty, Iraq offers a wealth of untapped potential for tourists seeking unique and authentic experiences. The expansion of the electronic visa system, the rehabilitation of archaeological sites, and the growth of tourism infrastructure are all steps in the right direction to transform Iraq into a top destination for international travelers.

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