Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani received today, Wednesday, the president of the Arab Tourism Organization affiliated with the Arab League, Mr. Bandar bin Fahd Al-Fahid, and his accompanying delegation.

During the meeting, they discussed areas of joint work to develop the tourism sector in Iraq, in light of the government's plan to improve the tourism reality.

His Excellency emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation with the Arab Tourism Organization to support attracting Arab tourism to Iraq, which is rich in religious, archaeological, and natural tourism potentials.

The Prime Minister oversaw the signing ceremonies of two memorandums of understanding for the Arab Tourism Organization: the first with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities and the second with the International Development Bank for Investment and Finance. These memorandums include expanding and developing tourism cooperation in the following areas:

1. Benefiting from the agreement signed between the Arab Tourism Organization and the Islamic Development Bank Group related to the insurance policy to guarantee investment, aiming to attract capital for investment in tourism projects in Iraq.

2. Utilizing the programs of the Arab Tourism Organization and its agreements with international companies in the field of technical consultations and studies.

3. Qualifying Iraqi tourism facilities, including hotels, restaurants, and cafes, to obtain quality and ISO marks.

4. Benefiting from the organization's training and qualification programs for workers in the tourism sector at both public and private levels to enhance their capabilities.

5. Exploring the possibility of opening a regional office for the Arab Tourism Organization in Baghdad to represent the Arab Mashreq region.

6. Benefiting from the Arab Tourist Card project, which will be launched in Baghdad through the organization's strategic partner, the International Development Bank and Visa International.

7. Implementing qualification programs for Iraqi youth in the field of monitoring the quality of tourism and hotel facilities.

Press Office of the Prime Minister

November 27, 2024