Baghdad-INA
The Tourism Authority revealed today, Saturday, eco-friendly projects and entry facilities for tourists to enhance Iraq's tourism appeal.
Ali Yassin Abdul-Redha, Director of Relations and Media and Spokesperson for the General Authority for Tourism, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The Authority is working in coordination with the Ministry of Environment to address environmental challenges and pollution resulting from industrial and oil activities."
He pointed out that "the Tourism Authority is jointly coordinating with the Ministry of Environment to develop practical solutions for environmental changes and pollution resulting from industrial and oil activities,this is being achieved by integrating environmental standards into development plans for tourism and archaeological sites, and enhancing environmental awareness programs, thereby contributing to preserving the appeal and sustainability of these sites."
He added that "the Authority is adopting the concept of ecotourism as one of the promising pathways, by encouraging investment in eco-friendly projects and supporting natural destinations, particularly the marshes and rural areas, while maintaining their ecological balance,furthermore, it is preparing guidelines for tourism establishments to ensure compliance with approved environmental requirements."
He explained that "the Authority continues to coordinate with the Ministry of Construction, Housing, Municipalities and Public Works, as well as traffic directorates, to develop the road network leading to tourism and archaeological sites,this includes opening alternative routes and expanding vital roads, in addition to organizing the movement of tourist buses and allocating dedicated lanes for tourist groups, thereby contributing to reducing traffic congestion and improving the tourist experience."
He noted that "the Authority is working in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and relevant authorities to simplify entry visa procedures for tourists, particularly through developing the electronic visa (e-visa) system and adopting modern mechanisms that contribute to facilitating tourist entry and organizing the movement of tourist groups."
He pointed out that "these measures come within a comprehensive government approach to support the tourism sector as an important economic tributary, and to enhance Iraq's openness to regional and international tourism movement."