In July last year, The Times ran an article about the prospect of Iraq as a holiday destination.
Despite three decades of war and terrorism, it may come as a surprise to some that the country still has a tourist board, and is home to 'some of the finest archaeological sites in the world'.
Now, with Barack Obama's gradual withdrawal of troops from the area, could 2009 see the re-birth of the Iraqi tourist industry? As we move into the new year, the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, still retains its reputation as one of the most dangerous cities in the world.
However, Iraq is a large country at over 438,000 square kilometres, and with the recent opening of Al Najaf International Airport in 2008, the capital can now be avoided altogether.
The city of Najaf is known for its religious significance and being the home of the shrine Imam Ali in the mosque Al-Haidariya.
In fact, religion is already a draw to the region, with around 5000 European religious tourists visiting between 2007 and 2008.
Kerbala, the City of Martyrdom and sacrifice, lies 78km north of Najaf and is home to the elegant Al-Abbaseyya and Al-Husseineyya shrines.
Its religious draw (and its chief export: dates) have made the city the richest in the country.
Cost, is an interesting factor about travelling in Iraq.
Due to the high rate of inflation as of 2006, the International Monetary Fund has held the value of the Iraqi Dinar at 1176ID per $1.
This means that travel money for a visitor from the UK will equal about 1,608ID to £1 but the value of the pound is not changing (or declining) as it is in comparison to almost all other currencies.
It must be noted that the Iraqi Dinar cannot be obtained outside of the country.
The treasures in Iraq that have survived are testament to the notion that to rebuild the Iraqi tourist economy will not be impossible, but will be a lengthy process.
Many shrines have been damaged, destroyed or are in a state of rebuild such as the al-Askari, and US troops in 2003 were accused of harming ancient artifacts at Baghdad Museum.
But the incentive for the more intrepid holidaymakers eager to see these great sites of religion and the birthplace of civilization are becoming visible again - as the dust gradually clears.
Despite three decades of war and terrorism, it may come as a surprise to some that the country still has a tourist board, and is home to 'some of the finest archaeological sites in the world'.
Now, with Barack Obama's gradual withdrawal of troops from the area, could 2009 see the re-birth of the Iraqi tourist industry? As we move into the new year, the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, still retains its reputation as one of the most dangerous cities in the world.
However, Iraq is a large country at over 438,000 square kilometres, and with the recent opening of Al Najaf International Airport in 2008, the capital can now be avoided altogether.
The city of Najaf is known for its religious significance and being the home of the shrine Imam Ali in the mosque Al-Haidariya.
In fact, religion is already a draw to the region, with around 5000 European religious tourists visiting between 2007 and 2008.
Kerbala, the City of Martyrdom and sacrifice, lies 78km north of Najaf and is home to the elegant Al-Abbaseyya and Al-Husseineyya shrines.
Its religious draw (and its chief export: dates) have made the city the richest in the country.
Cost, is an interesting factor about travelling in Iraq.
Due to the high rate of inflation as of 2006, the International Monetary Fund has held the value of the Iraqi Dinar at 1176ID per $1.
This means that travel money for a visitor from the UK will equal about 1,608ID to £1 but the value of the pound is not changing (or declining) as it is in comparison to almost all other currencies.
It must be noted that the Iraqi Dinar cannot be obtained outside of the country.
The treasures in Iraq that have survived are testament to the notion that to rebuild the Iraqi tourist economy will not be impossible, but will be a lengthy process.
Many shrines have been damaged, destroyed or are in a state of rebuild such as the al-Askari, and US troops in 2003 were accused of harming ancient artifacts at Baghdad Museum.
But the incentive for the more intrepid holidaymakers eager to see these great sites of religion and the birthplace of civilization are becoming visible again - as the dust gradually clears.
Source...