BAGHDAD, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- Iraq aims to raise cultural tourism revenue to 30 percent of its state budget to diversify an economy that currently relies on oil for 95 percent of its funding, a senior ministry official said on Monday.
Deputy Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities Fadel al-Badrani told the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the government has begun rehabilitating heritage and archaeological sites to support the target.
Badrani highlighted a resurgence in international collaboration, noting that more than 60 international excavation missions are currently operating in the country in partnership with Iraqi experts. This marks a sharp pivot from previous years, when foreign archaeological teams were largely absent due to instability.
The economic push coincides with the Arab Tourism Organization's designation of Baghdad as the "Arab Tourism Capital" for 2025.
"The selection... has given us a new incentive and direction to make Baghdad, with all its corners, streets, and gardens, a place of artistic and tourist appeal," Badrani said.
