Strategic Development of Tourism Markets in Iraqi Governorates: A Multi-stakeholder Analysis of Infrastructure, Sustainability, and Regional Competitiveness
List of Authors
Ansam Ghanayem, Muthana Faaeq Almasoodi, Rasha Talib Ahmed Alnaqeeb, Sura Abdulateef Al-shammari, Suraiyati Rahman
Iraq presents significant potential for tourism development, characterized by its rich historical, cultural, and religious heritage. This qualitative research employs a multi-stakeholder approach to examine strategic tourism market development across Iraqi governorates, focusing on infrastructure, sustainability, and regional competitiveness. Through semi-structured interviews with ten high-ranking decision-makers, including Members of Parliament, Tourism Authority officials, and a deputy minister, the study reveals critical insights into the complex landscape of tourism development. The research identifies substantial regional disparities, with religious tourism centers like Karbala and Najaf demonstrating advanced infrastructure and implementation strategies (85-90%), while regions such as Diyala and Kirkuk lag behind. Thematic analysis highlights five key dimensions: Infrastructure Development, Community Engagement, Governance and Policy, Sustainable Tourism Management, and Market Competitiveness. Word frequency analysis underscores the emphasis on sustainable, progressive industry growth. Key findings demonstrate the necessity of an integrated approach balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and cultural preservation. The study reveals challenges including governance centralization, technological barriers, and uneven regional development. Recommendations include implementing carrying capacity frameworks, integrating sustainability principles, establishing inclusive tourism oversight committees, and developing comprehensive 10–20-year master plans. This research contributes a novel perspective on tourism development in emerging economies, offering evidence-based policy recommendations that address the intricate dynamics of sustainable tourism market expansion in complex geopolitical contexts.