Deployed

1st Lt. Brennan Howell, deployed from the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron, provided logistical and security support as the Multi-National Force Iraq liaison to the Government of Iraq’s Ministries for Tourism and Antiquities during the review of five joint-investment projects. (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. James Kamishlian)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

International collaboration bodes well for Iraq's future

Published Oct. 8, 2009
By 1st Lt. Brennan Howell
21st Civil Engineer Squadron

BAGHDAD -- I am currently serving the final days of my second tour in the middle-east; my first occurred in 2007 when I deployed as a project manager for the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing's Civil Engineer Squadron to the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, and now I am deployed as part of the Multi-National Force-Iraq Combined Joint-Directorate 9 Economic and Business Development Team working out of the United States Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.

I have spent the past six months working in close partnership with the Department of State as a consultant to the newly established Government of Iraq for developing tourism related infrastructure, preserving Iraqi cultural heritage and antiquities, creating industry marketing and planning strategies, and promoting foreign investment.

Coalition and DOS focus in these areas has centered on shifting Iraq's heavy economic reliance on oil generated revenue to instead maximize growth through the development of infrastructure that caters to its already existing high potential for tourism; primarily through culturally significant or religiously associated sites and the pilgrimages they impel. Additionally, joint efforts have been made to introduce and connect Iraqi tourism, cultural, and antiquities government ministries with similar internationally focused organizations through collaborative planning and projects supporting knowledge transfer and capacity development of these industries.

An Iraqi economy that is no longer solely dependent on the volatile price of oil will create a more stable and diversified economy; ultimately leading toward a sovereign Iraqi government, mutually beneficial international relations, increased job availability, improved standards of living, and higher levels of security. Capitalizing on Iraq's high potential for international tourism is a key component in enabling these economic changes and will additionally promote international cultural exchange and acceptance. Iraq is after-all known as the cradle of civilization.

While in its infancy, the Iraq government has been working with coalition forces, DOS, and multiple international support agencies to make initial strides toward improved economic stability. Collaborative efforts at the national level have enabled the execution of 18 tourism and antiquities related projects and facilitated the identification of 97 high-potential tourism sites for development within the next 10 years.

More than 27 tourism related investment projects have been licensed through the government totaling approximately $2 billion in investment for Iraq's tourist industry alone. The Iraqi Tourism Commission is currently preparing to host the country's second annual tourism week where more than 200 regional and international tourism industry representatives, organizations, and investors are expected to attend. This year's participation will be due largely to the success of last year's tourism week, improved security throughout the country, and signs of a strengthening government and economy.

Iraq has also seen a renewal in international tourist activity as the first foreign tourists to visit since 2003 arrived earlier this year. Since then, more than 50 tourists from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Germany, Japan, and Taiwan have taken tours arranged through regional travel agencies. Information gathered by both the Iraq government and coalition forces show numbers of tourists to Iraq's religious sites have increased dramatically as Baghdad and Najaf's international airports have begun to resume normal services. An estimated 5 to 10 million people travel to the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala annually, where only a few of the country's 12,000 recorded historical or religious sites are found. While these numbers do not include regional tourists, statistics already suggest that Najaf has overtaken Mecca as the world's most visited Islamic city and has thus been nominated as the 2012 World Capital of Islamic Culture.

Collaborative efforts between coalition forces, the department of state, and the Iraqi government have enabled the country to take many initial steps toward economic improvement and have provided open opportunities for growth within Iraq's tourism industry.

Only time will tell, as Iraq continues to learn for itself and grow into a sovereign, self-sustaining nation. 2009 has presented me with a unique opportunity to assist a new and growing government in a time of extra ordinary economic growth potential and extreme political change. I am fortunate to have been placed in a position where I was able to make a difference as an individual on an international scale - a once in a life time experience.

Deployed