New Iraq airport targets tourism - Travel Airport News

Airport news for Travel on 24/07/2008.

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The Al-Hamza facility, previously a military airport, opened this past Sunday with hopes that religious tourists would visit the area in sufficient numbers to help fund the costs of reconstructing this important Shiite city.

Iraq Prime Minister Maliki said: "It is a historic moment. It is a moment that symbolises equality among all Iraqis."

The Prime Minister commented that he hoped the opening of the Najaf Airport would help with overall reconstruction in Iraq by setting an example that other provinces in the country would follow.

"There must be competition among other provinces when it comes to rebuilding their regions," he added.

The shrine to Iman Ali, who was son-in-law to the Prophet Mohammed, is located in this southern Iraqi city, and other sites of interest to religious pilgrims are found nearby.

Airport developers have noted the fact that over nine million pilgrims visit the area annually, and are hopeful that the new Najaf airport will help increase the number by at least 10 per cent a year.

The Kuwaiti investment firm Al-Aqeelah, has been the leader of the multi-billion dollar project, and it intends to build hotels and thousands of new homes in the city.

Maliki and other Iraqi politicians are working toward the promotion of investment throughout the country.

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