Tourism development in Iraq: the need for support from international academia

Abstract

AbstractIraq is an ancient land of historical and religious sights that possesses a vibrant culture and numerous natural attractions. The northern region of Kurdistan is home to the Erbil Citadel, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited sites (8000 years), as well as to snowcapped mountains, waterfalls and deep canyons set amidst alpine meadows and pastoral villages. This autonomous region of Iraq already receives domestic tourists from the hotter, arid regions to the south, and it hopes to soon begin attracting international tourists. As a result of its geo‐political situation and the breakdown of Iraq's tourism industry for many years, Kurdistan is in the process of developing much of its tourism industry from the beginning stages. Its development will, in turn, exert a profound influence on Iraq's overall tourism industry and the appeal of its tourism products in the international marketplace. Although professional tourism training and education are priorities, Kurdish and other Iraqi tourism academicians are likewise completely detached from their international counterparts. International tourism scholars and researchers are thus presented with a unique opportunity to provide collegial assistance in the form of teaching materials, updated curriculums, research partners and publication connections. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.