‘Iraq possesses abundant tourism potential,’ says Al-Sudani as Baghdad prepares for 2025 influx

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani emphasized the potential of Iraq’s tourism sector as a key pillar of “the non-oil economy” during a meeting Saturday to review proposed tourism projects in Baghdad and other provinces.

In December 2024, the Arab Tourism Organization announced that Baghdad has been named the Arab Tourism Capital for 2025, following its fulfillment of criteria showcasing its tourism potential and infrastructure.

Throughout 2025, Baghdad is set to host a series of events and programs aimed at boosting regional tourism.

“Iraq possesses abundant tourism potential, which can be transformed into a key pillar of the non-oil economy, given the available opportunities,” Al-Sudani said, according to a statement from his media office.

The meeting, dedicated to tourism development, focused on leveraging Baghdad’s designation as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2025. Al-Sudani described this recognition as a “gateway to expanding attractions for international visitors” and called for swift action to construct tourist and recreational facilities, address bureaucratic challenges, and create favorable conditions for foreign investment in the sector.

Attendees also reviewed 21 proposed projects, including hotels, resorts, sustainable forests, and entertainment complexes in Baghdad.

Full statement from PM Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani chaired a meeting today, Saturday, dedicated to presenting a package of planned tourism projects in Baghdad and other provinces.

The Prime Minister highlighted that Iraq possesses abundant tourism potential, which can be transformed into a key pillar of the non-oil economy, given the available opportunities and the local demand for modern, environmentally friendly tourist facilities. He emphasized that tourism development is also a gateway to expanding attractions for international visitors.

He underlined the importance of seizing the opportunity presented by Baghdad’s selection as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2025 by constructing attractive tourist and recreational facilities, overcoming bureaucratic obstacles, and creating favorable conditions for foreign investment in the tourism sector.

The Prime Minister directed the concerned authorities to finalize the proposed tourism projects and present them as a unified package. He emphasized that developing this sector will contribute to strengthening and diversifying the national economy by activating key sectors, including tourism, which the government is keen to promote as part of its program.

The meeting approved inviting a specialized Spanish company to collaborate on tourism development projects and to enhance the skills of Iraqi tourism professionals, ensuring they keep pace with global advancements in the sector.

The meeting also reviewed 21 proposed tourism projects, including hotels, resorts, sustainable forests, and entertainment cities and complexes in Baghdad and various provinces, with the necessary infrastructure and economic viability to ensure their success.