Iran Aims to Boost Tourism Partnership with Iraq for Thriving Travel Industry

Iran is set to enhance tourism cooperation with Iraq, focusing on four key sectors: health, sightseeing, religious, and scientific tourism. This initiative comes as a result of a meeting between Hormatollah Rafiei, the director of the Association of Iranian Travel Agencies, and Iran’s cultural attaché in Iraq.

According to IRNA, Rafiei’s visit to Baghdad aimed to lay the groundwork for the upcoming Iran-Iraq Tourism Roadshow. During discussions, he highlighted the commitment of Iran’s private sector to foster tourism in the areas of sightseeing, pilgrimage, scientific exploration, and health services.

Rafiei noted that Iranian tour operators participating in the roadshow will visit three major cities: Baghdad, Basra, and Karbala. Their focus will be on:

• Health tourism
• Sightseeing opportunities
• Religious pilgrimage
• Scientific tourism

These sectors were identified in collaboration with Iraq’s government and private tourism entities. Rafiei also mentioned that Hojjatoleslam Gholamreza Abazari, Iran’s cultural attaché in Iraq, stressed the importance of this tourism fair. He noted that approximately 50% of Iran’s inbound tourism originates from Iraq and highlighted that this is the first such event organized by the private tourism sector since the Islamic Revolution of Iran.

Rafiei stated, “I consider it my duty to support holding this event,” emphasizing the significance of tourism promotion between the two nations. He also announced that Iraq is prepared to strengthen its tourism relations with Iran across various domains, including cultural, sightseeing, and health tourism, in addition to pilgrimage tourism. He mentioned that around 3.5 million Iraqi tourists visit Iran annually, and efforts are underway to boost this number to five million by the end of the year.

The tourism relationship between Iran and Iraq is deeply intertwined with religious pilgrimages, commonly referred to as Ziyarat, attracting millions of visitors each year to sacred sites. Iraq is home to significant Shi’a shrines in Karbala and Najaf, while Iran welcomes pilgrims to Mashhad, which houses the shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.), and Qom, a renowned center for Shi’a scholarship. Other Iranian cities, such as Shiraz, known for its rich Islamic heritage, also draw religious visitors.

In addition to pilgrimage tourism, both countries boast a wealth of cultural, historical, and linguistic ties that can be further developed into broader tourism exchanges. Key attractions include:

• Iran’s ancient cities, such as Persepolis and Isfahan, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcasing stunning Persian architecture.
• Iraq’s historical treasures, including the ruins of Babylon and the cradle of civilization in Mesopotamia, which appeal to history and archaeology enthusiasts.

Cultural tourism opportunities also encompass traditional music, crafts, and cuisine, reflecting the shared influences and mutual appreciation between the two nations. Furthermore, the diverse natural landscapes, ranging from the Zagros Mountains to the marshlands in southern Iraq and Iran’s varied climates—from arid deserts to lush forests—offer potential for eco-tourism.

By strengthening tourism ties, Iran and Iraq can expand beyond religious travel, promoting:

• Historical exploration
• Cultural exchange
• Nature-based tourism

This initiative has the potential to deepen people-to-people connections across borders, fostering greater understanding and collaboration between the two nations.

As Iran embarks on this journey to enhance tourism cooperation with Iraq, it opens new avenues for travelers seeking enriching experiences in both countries. The emphasis on health, culture, and historical exploration promises a vibrant exchange that could significantly boost tourism and economic growth in the region.