Iran Set to Welcome 5 Million Iraqi Tourists: Salehi-Amiri Predicts Significant Growth
In a significant move to boost tourism between Iran and Iraq, the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts has announced a new agreement that will enhance road travel from Basra to various Iranian cities. The implementation of this agreement is expected to increase the annual influx of Iraqi visitors from 3.5 million to a remarkable five million.
During a cabinet session, the minister shared that a group of 80 representatives from Iranian hotels and travel agencies are currently in Iraq working to facilitate this new travel route. This initiative aims to expand tourism capacity significantly between the two neighboring countries.
Key Highlights of the Agreement:
- The agreement was proposed by the Iraqi side and is poised to be implemented shortly.
- The minister announced plans to travel to Baghdad for the finalization and signing of memoranda of understanding.
- Popular Iranian cities such as Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, Kish, and Rasht are already attracting Iraqi tourists.
- Iraq is set to become a focal point in Iran’s tourism policies.
The minister also provided updates on domestic cultural and tourism projects, highlighting the progress on the tomb of Shams Tabrizi. Currently, construction stands at 58% completion and is expected to finish within the next year. The tomb is scheduled to be inaugurated in September 2026, coinciding with the commemoration of Rumi and Shams. This architectural project, designed by skilled Iranian architects, aims to turn Khoy into a pilgrimage site for admirers of Rumi and Shams, similar to Konya in Turkey.
Salehi-Amiri emphasized the importance of developing tourism and cultural infrastructure, stating that it not only enhances cultural and economic exchanges between Iran and Iraq but also positions Iran as a luxurious and strategic destination for regional tourists.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen tourism cooperation between the two nations was signed in Baghdad, attended by key figures including the head of the Iraqi Tourism Organization, members of parliament from both countries, and prominent stakeholders from the tourism industry. This pivotal agreement, which coincided with an Iranian roadshow in Baghdad, was signed by Hormatollah Rafiei, director of the Association of Iranian Travel Agencies, and Haider Amer Al-Dujaili, head of the Iraqi Travel Service Bureaus Association.
Objectives of the Memorandum:
- Both countries aim to facilitate the annual exchange of five million tourists.
- The private sectors are motivated to enhance tourism industry dynamics in both nations.
- The agreement marks a shift in tourism focus from Western markets to neighboring countries.
Rafiei, who is accompanying the board of directors of the association in Baghdad, highlighted the significance of this memorandum for the private sectors of both nations. He stated, “The efforts made by the private sectors of Iran and Iraq are commendable in promoting bilateral tourism development.”
He further noted that with the Iranian tourism roadshow established in Iraq and the signing of the MOU, tourism exchanges between the two countries will become more balanced, with equal levels of tourist attraction from both sides.
According to Rafiei, the MOU’s implementation will lead to a yearly total of 10 million tourists traveling between Iran and Iraq. This was made possible through collaborative meetings between the Association of Iranian Travel Agencies and Ahmed Al-Hakak, the Iraqi Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, which resulted in the drafting and signing of the cooperation agreement.
Focus Areas of the MOU:
- Pilgrimage tourism: This sector is currently active and requires systematic improvements.
- Sightseeing tourism: Both countries are now focusing on this area for the first time.
- Health tourism: Iran continues to lead in this sector, offering lower-cost treatment options compared to other countries.
- Scientific tourism: This aims to foster academic collaborations between Iranian and Iraqi universities.
With these initiatives, Iran and Iraq are set to strengthen their tourism ties, creating a robust framework for mutual economic growth and cultural exchange. The agreement not only symbolizes a new chapter in the tourism sector for both nations but also reflects their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations through shared cultural and historical ties.
