Iran and Iraq Strengthen Bilateral Relations with Exciting Tourism Roadshow Initiative
Iran-Iraq relations in the fields of cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts are witnessing significant improvement, even amidst regional and international challenges. This positive development was highlighted by Seyyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Minister.
As the upcoming Iran-Iraq tourism roadshow approaches, scheduled to take place from October 6-9 in prominent Iraqi cities such as Basra, Baghdad, and Karbala, the minister expressed optimism about the collaboration between Iranian travel agencies and the Iraqi tourism sector. The goal is to enhance the activity at land borders to facilitate pilgrimage, tourism, and health travel, as reported by ILNA.
Salehi-Amiri stated, “Deepening relations between cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts is a priority for us, and these relations will be emphasized during this event and during the meeting with my counterpart and the activation of these ties.”
In light of international developments, including potential shifts in the political landscape, he remarked, “Iraq is less affected by regional crises with Iran due to its deep cultural, pilgrimage, economic, and political ties with our country, and this increases the importance of strengthening cooperation.”
Highlighting the significance of the forthcoming tourism roadshow, he noted that a considerable number of Iraqi tourists currently visit Iran for both pilgrimage and tourism. Additionally, he mentioned that many Iranians frequently travel to Iraq, indicating a robust two-way interaction with substantial potential for further growth.
“Within the framework of the new approach, in addition to air travel, land routes for family, pilgrimage, tourism, and health tourists will be more active. Of course, borders such as Shalamcheh are currently active,” he added.
Salehi-Amiri emphasized that during the early October meeting with the Iraqi Minister of Tourism in Baghdad, the focus will be on:
- Increasing the flow of tourists traveling by private car between Iran and Iraq.
- Accepting Iraqi health tourists in medical facilities located in Khuzestan, Ilam, Kermanshah, West Azarbaijan, and East Azarbaijan provinces.
He described the Iraq roadshow as a crucial opportunity for showcasing Iran’s tourism potential in Iraq’s expansive market, stating, “The Ministry of Cultural Heritage’s policy is to distribute tourism opportunities fairly throughout the country, rather than focusing on just a few specific provinces.”
Annually, approximately 3.5 million Iraqi tourists visit Iran for pilgrimage and health-related purposes, while a comparable number of Iranians travel to Iraq, predominantly for pilgrimage activities. This dynamic travel pattern highlights the growing interdependence between the two nations.
According to the head of the Iranian Air Travel and Tourism Service Association, plans to enhance the number of incoming and outgoing tourists to both Iran and Iraq are actively in motion. Iraq stands as the primary source of tourists entering Iran, with reports indicating that over half of the foreign tourists who visit Iran hail from Iraq.
Conversely, the volume of Iranians traveling to Iraq, especially to significant pilgrimage sites, is also noteworthy. Currently, both tourism ministers from Iran and Iraq are dedicated to enhancing the levels of tourist exchange between the two countries. Their strategies include:
- Establishing regular tourism roadshows.
- Creating efficient land routes for easier travel.
- Facilitating travel by private car for citizens of Iran and Iraq.
- Opening new tourism routes to attract travelers.
The collaborative efforts between Iran and Iraq in the tourism sector exemplify the potential for cultural exchange and economic growth. By strengthening these ties, both nations aim to foster a more vibrant tourism landscape that benefits their citizens and enhances bilateral relations.
