Iraq Signs MoUs for Tourism Development

By John Lee.

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met with Bandar bin Fahd Al-Fuhaid, President of the Arab Tourism Organization (ATO), to discuss strategies for advancing Iraq's tourism sector.

The meeting culminated in the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities and the International Development Bank for Investment and Finance.

According to a statement after the meeting, these MoUs aim to expand and develop cooperation in the following areas:

1. Utilizing the agreement between the Arab Tourism Organization and the Islamic Development Bank Group regarding investment insurance policies to attract capital for tourism projects in Iraq.
2. Leveraging the organization's programs and agreements with global companies for technical consultations and studies.
3. Upgrading Iraqi tourism facilities, including hotels, restaurants, and cafes, to meet international quality and ISO certification standards.
4. Benefiting from the organization's training and development programs to enhance the skills of employees in both public and private tourism sectors.
5. Exploring the possibility of establishing a regional office for the Arab Tourism Organization in Baghdad to represent the Levant region.
6. Launching the Arab Tourist Card project in Baghdad through the organization's strategic partner, the International Development Bank, in collaboration with Visa International.
7. Implementing training programs for Iraqi youth in quality control for tourism and hospitality facilities.

(Source: Media Office of the Prime Minister)