Iraq promotes itself as tourist destination
(06 November 2009)An official Iraqi delegation is due to attend a premier tourism event in London next week in a bid to promote the country as a holiday destination.
Led by Iraq tourist board boss, Chairman Hammoud al-Yaqoubi, to World Travel Market in the Docklands, the visit represents the first time the country has attended a travel trade event in Europe for more than a decade.
The aim is to speak to potential investors to help create a tourism infrastructure and renovate the country's 784 hotels.
Believed to be the birthplace of civilization, Iraq is home to a staggering number of archaeological, historical and religious sites. Historians believe the Garden of Eden lies 80km (50 miles) outside of Basra, while the country is also home to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, famed for being one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Hinterland Travel is the only UK tour operator offering packages to the country, starting from £1,600 per person for a nine-day tour. Ten group trips are planned next year, revealed managing director Geoff Hann.
He said Iraq appealed to older, intrepid travellers, who were not afraid of the risks associated with a visit to the country. Bookings were also being made by people who opposed the war, and now wanted to support Iraq by visiting as tourists.
The Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Baghdad and its surrounding provinces.
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