Ali Yassin, Director of Public Relations and Media at the Tourism Authority, announced that the Authority has partnered with a German firm to develop advanced plans aimed at strengthening nature tourism across Iraq. These plans focus on overcoming existing challenges and enhancing key destinations—including the deserts of Anbar and Najaf, as well as the Mesopotamian Marshes—transforming them into competitive, high-quality tourist attractions.

Yassin explained that the initiative is part of a ten-year plan designed to attract more than one million non-religious tourists. He added that the Authority has also established a broader strategy extending through 2035, aimed at addressing current obstacles while unlocking new opportunities for sustainable tourism development.

He emphasized that tourism is both an economic sector and a specialized field, requiring coordinated national efforts across government ministries. In this context, promotion of archaeological sites is being carried out in close collaboration with the Authority for Antiquities and Heritage.

Yassin also highlighted ongoing efforts to rehabilitate Al-Mutanabbi Street and the historic Old Baghdad district, spanning from the former Ministry of Defense to Al-Jumhuriya Bridge. He noted that the project is being implemented in accordance with strict heritage preservation standards, integrating sustainability principles and modern technology while maintaining the area’s historical character. Coordination is underway with the Baghdad Municipality and the Public Aesthetics Committee to address visual pollution and improve the urban landscape.

In addition, Iraq has been actively participating in major international tourism exhibitions in London, Madrid, and Dubai. These efforts are supported by the production of promotional films and multilingual marketing materials, which have been distributed to more than 80 diplomatic missions worldwide, helping to elevate Iraq’s global tourism profile.