IRAQ | Tourism & Archaeology

[elusive]

Iraq Tourism Lies in Google Earth

Friday, 26 August 2011

Losing yourself in the ancient world of the Assyrians, Mesopotamia is now as easy as loading your internet browser after Google Earth launched a Street View Gallery tour of Iraq’s National Museum.

While much of Iraq’s rich ancient heritage remains under threat from looting and illegal diggings, the museum located in Baghdad houses and protects some of the oldest existing artefacts that date back to 6000BC.

Working on the online project, Google Earth’s technical program manager Alex Starns explained in his online blog that the two year move into the virtual world was undertaken to preserve history that often goes unnoticed.

“The history of this area is often underrepresented, or otherwise inaccessible, in large part due to the political strife that has plagued Iraq,” Mr Starns stated.

“For this reason, we considered it an important opportunity to showcase Iraq’s National Museum in our Street View Gallery.”

The Street View allows online travellers to scroll through the museum as well as virtually walk 360 degrees around each artefact.

Objects on display in the online collection includes back of throne figures from the Neo-Assyrian period, pottery dating back to the Hassuna culture and statues constructed by the Babylonians.

“This was our first attempt to capture an indoor collection at a museum, and we met a host of logistical and technical challenges,” Mr Starns added.

“Of course, Coalition forces and the Iraqi government have a lot more pressing problems than archaeological preservation, but they ignore it at their peril.

“Preserving Iraq's past will help secure Iraq's future.

“Once the country becomes stable (whenever that happens) places like Nineveh will be a huge tourist draw.”

While Google aims to protect the region’s historical and tourism assets, the Iraqi Government is being urged to increase protection around the famous ancient Assyrian city of Nineveh.

The 2,700 year old biblical ruins located near the Tigris River in Iraq once populated by more than 100,000 Assyrians, has suffered at the hands of Iraqis and will cease to exist without pre-emptive restoration, according to Global Heritage Fund (GHF).

"Nineveh has already been heavily attacked by looters, and now development pressures from nearby Mosul have begun to take their toll as well," GHF explained.

"If this encroachment continues, Nineveh’s ancient remains could again be buried forever.”

Click here to check out the virtual tour

[makaay31]

Reuters Pictures 10 hours ago Russian tourists sit on a boat as they travel through the marshlands in Basra October 12, 2011. Nine Russian tourists visited Basra on Tuesday, an official at Basra province said. Foreign tourists visit Iraq, part of a region known as the cradle of civilisation, from time to time after decades of war and the peak of sectarian violence in 2006-07, although bombings and killings still take place daily. Picture taken October 12, 2011.

[IraqiPlan_et]

Iraq wants its heritage returned
Oct 11, 2011


Iraq is still striving to recover thousands of antiquities plundered from its museums and archaeological sites, as the war-torn country aims to develop its tourism industry to help rebuild its economy.

"We're faced with all kinds of sophisticated and political and legal difficulties," said Bahaa Mayah, the adviser to Iraq's minister of tourism and antiquities.

"Countries that were against the American or the western intervention in Iraq, they are not cooperating with Iraq and returning the artefacts. We managed to retrieve over 6,000 pieces. It's estimated that over 180,000 pieces have left Iraq [since the Second Gulf War started in 2003]."

He said many of these were sold in international auction houses. Iraq is calling for a new treaty to amend the situation, as it works on developing its tourism sector.

"We're trying to attract investors to come to Iraq and build hotels and all other services that are needed by the industry."

He said there were only seven upmarket hotels in Baghdad. Some of the major international hotel chains have said they are starting to consider future opportunities although the city remains unstable.

"Tourism creates jobs for youth," said Mr Mayah. "If we manage to create hundreds of thousands of jobs, this means social security. Iraq could be in the future a destination for different kinds of tourism: religion; education; archaeology. It has a big potential."

[elusive]

Damlaj lake to become economic and tourist giant

06/02/2012 12:23 WASIT, Feb. 6 (AKnews) – Damlaj lake will be transformed into finance and tourism hub, announced Wasit Provincial Council, who are currently assembling a committee to discuss plans.

The panel, who will include representatives from several government departments, will discuss how to increase the 435 sq km lake’s capacity of water storage, and to attract and discuss investment opportunities with foreign and domestic companies.

Proposed plans include of a paved road that reaches up to the lake, and will also take advantage of the abundant wildlife in the area such as fish and rare birds.

Salam Mazaal Ekalm, the deputy governor of Wasit’s Agriculture and Water Resources Affairs, told AKnews that there is already interest from Iran.

The committee, announced on Thursday, will be comprised of representatives from the executive and legislative powers as well as representatives from the Agriculture and Water Resources, Environment, and Tourism departments of Wasit and the manager of the estuary project.

Eklam said they will be responsible for “making it an important economic and tourist landmark”, and is its hoped that the province will benefit from significant financial returns.

Two-thirds of Damlaj Lake lies in the Wasit province and the rest belongs to Diwaniyah.

Local Saeid Mouhammed Rahim, who lives near the lake, said: “The investment of the lake is merely a wish since the two provinces want to manage them. There is also a lack of paved roads that link them it to nearby urban centers”.

Fishing in the lake and selling catches in the local markets and in Baghdad has already been contracted out to the private sector. The most popular types are Shabbout, Qatan and Bani.

By Nabil al-Shayeb

RN/SS/AKnews

[elusive]

Iraq’s Kurdistan region targets 5m tourists by 2015


* The Ashur Hotel on Lake Dokan is one of the many five-star resorts in Kurdistan. The region is untouched by the violence elsewhere in Iraq, a major factor in rising tourist arrivals.

Arbil, Iraq: Kurdistan, the semi-autonomous region in northern Iraq, expects to attract more than five million tourists by 2015, according to government sources. New data reveal that 800,000 tourists made a visit in 2009, while last year they totalled more than 1.3 million.

By the end of this year, the Ministry of Tourism and Municipalities expects to welcome more than two million tourists to Iraqi Kurdistan.

“While the number of tourists to most Middle Eastern countries is dropping because of the security and political situations, in the Kurdistan Region they have been increasing beyond imagination,” said Sirwan Shafiq, media director of the Arbil-based General Directorate of Tourism, the entity associated with the Ministry of Tourism and Municipalities.

“If these numbers continue to rise, we expect to receive at least five million by 2015.”

The federal entity in northern Iraq is administered by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

The KRG rules the three provinces of Arbil (the capital), Duhok and Sulaimaniyah. Both Arbil and Sulaimaniyah have international airports, while another one is under construction in Duhok. Several international border crossings exist with neighbouring Turkey and Iran.

The official added that the recent surge in arrivals is a direct result of the international media promoting the area’s tourism potential. The National Geographic and The New York Times recommended the area as a prime travel destination for 2011. Most importantly for travellers to the region, the media also highlighted the security and stability of Kurdistan, a region untouched by the violence elsewhere in Iraq.

“Security, history and a warm welcome in a stable corner of Iraq” were the words used by The New York Times, which placed the region in the No 34 spot — even edging out well-established Miami — in the ‘41 Places to Go in 2011′.

Visa extension

Any foreigner who enters the Kurdistan Region will get a 10-day entry visa on arrival, beyond which one has to visit the immigration office to extend the stay, which takes hours and sometimes days to acquire.

[VmR]

Citys included in Kurdistan area for visit witouth Visa are Mosul,Erbil,Kirkuk and Suleimaniya?
I read that Mosul is as dangerous as Baghdad,Kirkuk also?

[Chounz]

Originally Posted by VmR

Citys included in Kurdistan area for visit witouth Visa are Mosul,Erbil,Kirkuk and Suleimaniya?
I read that Mosul is as dangerous as Baghdad,Kirkuk also?

Mosul and Kirkuk are both outside Kurdistan area; and yes they are both just as dangerous as Baghdad.

[VmR]

Erbil airport looks good:

[Arab_Hafez]

some great pictures in this thread.... i wish i can visit Baghdad one day... but honestly, you got several main issues

1- Revolutionize Iraq's Taste in Hotels, and Colors... some hotels are UGLY...
2- RENOVATE, and MAINTAIN ALL the Old Places
3- Iraq needs a Theme... it needs to have a style... like Egypts style is "Pharoes, Glamorous, Classy" etc... Spain is "Hip, Party, narrow old, but clea streets", France love, romance etc... Iraq needs to Choose something... i would advise to promote a Harun Rashid and 1001 night theme...
4- SECURITY... you need to prove its secure.. like do more summits, and stuff

Good Luck Iraq... and PLS Renovate those old places so i can see em

[VmR]

Originally Posted by Arab_Hafez

4- SECURITY...

Only the Kurdish territory... and unfortunately all Europeans associate Iraq with car bombs and shootings

[iraqishi3i]

Originally Posted by Arab_Hafez

1001 night theme...

ive always thought of this as a really good idea lol glad someone agrees because iraq has as lot of history its a shame its not being put to good use

[SumerianKing]

Originally Posted by iraqishi3i

ive always thought of this as a really good idea lol glad someone agrees because iraq has as lot of history its a shame its not being put to good use

ITS MORE THEN A SHAME! ITS A DISGRACE. The most amazing and oldest civilizations have occured on our soil.

[FromBaghdadWithLove]

Originally Posted by VmR

Only the Kurdish territory... and unfortunately all Europeans associate Iraq with car bombs and shootings

well those europeans can get stuffed.

cause that myth isn't true.

[sheytanElKebir]

Originally Posted by VmR

Only the Kurdish territory... and unfortunately all Europeans associate Iraq with car bombs and shootings

they won't be missed. We don't work on IOUs!

[sheytanElKebir]

There are many new small/ medium amusement parks under construction in Iraq.

This is a new one I noted for the first time yesterday. Its On the Canal Road by Zayuna.
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=33.3374041...5&z=18&l=0&m=b

I saw a large rollercoaster being assembled.

[SumerianKing]

Thanks kebir. I wish they just build one huge theme park like 6 flags. The money is there! As most the population is young.

[elusive]

Originally Posted by sheytanElKebir

There are many new small/ medium amusement parks under construction in Iraq.

This is a new one I noted for the first time yesterday. Its On the Canal Road by Zayuna.
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=33.3374041...5&z=18&l=0&m=b

I saw a large rollercoaster being assembled.

we have a thread for that...it's called sinbad land or something

[alshawi1234]

Originally Posted by sheytanElKebir

There are many new small/ medium amusement parks under construction in Iraq.

This is a new one I noted for the first time yesterday. Its On the Canal Road by Zayuna.
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=33.3374041...5&z=18&l=0&m=b

I saw a large rollercoaster being assembled.

Nice to here, just curious if its "large" according to Iraqi standards or international standards.

[Chounz]

Originally Posted by SumerianKing

Thanks kebir. I wish they just build one huge theme park like 6 flags. The money is there! As most the population is young.

Yes exactly! I wish they would just build one massive one instead of ten bad small ones.

[sheytanElKebir]

Dubai-based Coral Hotels & Resorts has tied up with United Iraqi Trading Company to manage deluxe property Coral Boutique Hotel Baghdad in Iraq.

Situated in the heart of Baghdad in one of most prestigious avenues in Jadriya area, the Coral Boutique Hotel Baghdad is merely 5 kilometers from International Zone (formerly known as the Green Zone) district – a heavily guarded diplomatic area. Conveniently located 30 kilometers from Baghdad International Airport, the deluxe hotel is the perfect starting point for exploring the city’s key attractions such as the National Theatre, the National Museum, the Latin Church and Aaras Tourist Village.

Michel Noblet, President & CEO, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings, said, “This development aligns perfectly with HMH’s strategic growth plans in the region. We are thrilled to take our brand to Baghdad and to welcome this amazing destination to the Coral family. Coral Boutique Hotel Baghdad embodies the distinctive experience that our guests expect from Coral along with the rich local culture and warmth. With its prime location in the prestigious Jadriya area and proximity to major business and leisure attractions, we know that it will be a very successful property. We hope to play a significant role in the emergence of Baghdad as a popular destination and leading economy in the Middle East.”

The developers wish to turn Coral Boutique Hotel Baghdad into a “destination address”.

Khalid Al Yasiry, Managing Director, United Iraqi Trading Company, said, “We are excited to work with the Coral Hotels & Resorts and look forward to offering a memorable experience in terms of product and service to our valued guests. We are confident that Coral Boutique Hotel Baghdad will deliver outstanding hospitality and would be a very safe address in Baghdad being situated in a prime location as well as being equipped with the highest level of security.”

Featuring 80 rooms and suites, Coral Boutique Hotel Baghdad is in advanced stages of development and due for opening in the next few weeks. Boasting premium amenities, all guestrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Superb dining, flexible and intimate meeting spaces, and fantastic leisure options make for a memorable stay. Khalid stressed, “No matter what brings you to Baghdad, at the Coral Boutique Hotel your every need will be graciously met in the highest degree of safety and security. It is a place you will want to come back to again and again.”

“Iraq is a lot safer now and with all its history and civilization is once again drawing people and always will,” Michel stressed. “From the ruins of Babylon to the historical riches of Baghdad, it is one of the most ancient cradles of civilization boasting some of the finest archaeological and holy sites in the world.”

The number of tourists visiting Iraq is growing rapidly. An estimated 1.5 million people visited the country in 2011, up from 1.25 million in 2009 and just 266,000 in 2006. In addition to its touristic charm, there is massive economic development taking place in the country that has resulted in a large number of business travellers. Over 2 million people are expected to visit Iraq this year. As a result the airline and hotel capacity are on the rise too.

A Citybank study on the fastest-growing economies placed Iraq second out of 10 nations with the most promising growth prospects for the period 2010-2015, with a yearly increase in GDP of 11.7%. Iraq’s National Development Plan (2010-2014) calls for $186bn in spending to set the country on course to become a diverse and competitive economy dominated by the private sector.

Michel said, “It is no doubt a very promising scenario and gives our brands a unique opportunity for growth and expansion. We have two more hotels under negotiation in the country.”

With a network of 33 exceptional properties in key destinations across the Middle East and Africa, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings offers 4 distinct hotel brands catering to diverse segments, from luxury to budget hotels. Coral Hotels & Resorts is a powerful 5-star brand that has established an unrivalled reputation with its family-friendly style and safe-environment philosophy. Powered by global marketing infrastructure, superior sales and technology resources, savvy revenue management and award-winning service, the group is expanding rapidly in the region.