Religious Tourism in Iraq, 1996-1998: An Assessment
Dr. Alaa Gado Kana

Abstract
This article is about the religious tourism agreement signed between Iraq and Iran for the period of 1996 to 1998 following eight-year Iran-Iraq war. It examines the application of the agreement and shows the negative aspects of the agreement on excellent and first class hotels in Iraq due to ignoring international hotel chain standards and government domination of tourism sector in Iraq. The article presents an assessment of this type of tourism, the needs and desires of such tourists, the availability of appropriate facilities, and the consequence on hotels’ management and employees. The article wraps up with suggestions and conclusion to advance such kind of tourism, which has potentials in Iraq.

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