The central Baghdad square where Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is about to give a speech on tourism is surrounded by exactly the kinds of historic buildings tourists will want to see when they visit: Two centuries-old mosques, one of the Arab world's oldest universities, an 800-year-old castle, the oldest church in the city, and the former seat of Baghdad's government during the days of the Ottoman Empire.But the area around Saray Square also bears the scars of Iraq's more recent history, which has kept tourists away for years.But things have changed a lot in the last five years, with Iraq experiencing a long period of comparative calm and security. That's why on this evening in late February, Iraqi officials are celebrating the start of Baghdad's year as the Arab Capital of Tourism 2025, a title bestowed annually by the Arab Tourism Organization, part of the Arab League. Rows of white armchairs for foreign dignitaries have been arranged in front of a large screen, floodlights blaze above, drones hum overhead, and later a band seated on stage will play Iraqi folk songs.Tourism — mostly the religious kind — already makes a direct contribution of around 3% to Iraq's gross domestic product (GDP). But the Iraqi government says it wants to grow that to 10% by focusing on other things Iraq has to offer.It's not an implausible ambition. In countries like Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, where tourism is already developed, the sector makes up between about 7% and 9% of national income.And Iraq already gets between 6 and 10 million religious tourists every year — mostly from Iran and Turkey — because it is home to some of the most important Islamic shrines in the world. There is no doubt Iraq has all the ingredients: This includes six UNESCO World Heritage sites, locals with an almost ridiculously generous attitude toward guests, natural attractions and archeological treasures dating back thousands of years. Western tour groups and travel influencers in Iraq have made international headlines because the country is often still perceived as dangerous to visit. But tourists from Arab countries could well have the biggest, immediate economic impact.Opportunities are there because there are still so many gaps in the local market. While vendors on Baghdad's popular Mutanabbi Street oversee tables loaded with fridge magnets, statuettes and Iraqi flags, there's not much to purchase at some of the most popular attractions. For example, at the Iraq National Museum in Baghdad, you'll see some of the most incredible antiquities in the world, including a 3,600-year-old sample of the world's first literature. But a dusty postcard in a neglected gift shop is the only thing to spend money on there. (ICE AMMAN)

Fonte notizia: Stampa Locale