According to the Independent today, the government of Iraq insists the troubled country will soon become a haven for tourists.
Tourist bureaux will be set up in various countries and Iraqi delegations are being sent abroad to study the travel industry. Despite the continued violence in the country, officials are still confident tourists will come if they have a "nice place to stay and a comfortable way to travel".
Good on them for looking ahead to a better time, although I think it will take a huge shift in perception before holidaymakers start considering Iraq a safe place to visit. And this quote from a city official doesn't exactly inspire confidence..
"Tourists should dress like locals and maybe dye their hair. And they should have armed guards and they should be always vigilant."