📰 Iraq Unveils $1 Billion Tourism Investment Plan with 21 New Projects Nationwide

Baghdad – June 2025

In a bold move to transform its tourism landscape, the Iraqi government has announced an ambitious investment strategy aimed at attracting over $1 billion in tourism-related investments during 2025. The plan includes the launch of 21 large-scale tourism projects across Baghdad and other provinces, signaling a new era for Iraq’s cultural, ecological, and religious tourism sectors.

🏗️ Major Projects to Be Developed

According to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, the projects span several categories:

  • Luxury hotels and eco-resorts

  • Cultural villages and tourism cities

  • Revitalization of Baghdad’s historical sites

  • Development of the Al-Radwaniyah tourism complex, located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers

  • Reforestation and creation of public forest parks such as in Nahrawan and Baghdad

  • Creation of the Global Cultural Village that showcases diverse civilizations and heritages

  • Rebuilding and promoting the area around the ancient ziggurat of Aqar Quf

These investments aim to diversify the economy and reduce dependency on oil revenues by turning Iraq into a regional tourism hub.

🎯 Strategic Goals

The government’s tourism policy is aligned with:

  • Positioning Baghdad as the 2025 Arab Capital of Tourism

  • Attracting international and Arab investors

  • Creating thousands of jobs in hospitality and cultural sectors

  • Reviving heritage sites and boosting religious tourism

The initiative also focuses on digital transformation, linking new developments to Iraq’s e‑Visa system and smart payment infrastructure (e.g., the recently launched Arab Tourist Card).

💬 Government Statement

Minister of Culture and Tourism stated:

“These projects are not just buildings—they are bridges to the world. Iraq is open, and we want the world to rediscover its ancient beauty and modern potential.”

📈 Tourism as Economic Engine

With over 7 million religious and cultural tourists visiting Iraq in 2024 and forecasts of continued growth, the tourism sector is seen as a key component in Iraq’s post-oil economy.

📌 Sources: