Tourist facilities in Iraq.. a vital economic artery under the microscope of the law

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[size=52]Tourist facilities in Iraq.. a vital economic artery under the microscope of the law[/size]

[size=45]The Ministry of Interior announced statistics on the violating tourist facilities that were closed during the first half of this year, and also confirmed the arrest of 3,749 people accused of terrorism cases by tourist security.[/size]
[size=45]The ministry’s spokesman, Brigadier General Muqdad Miri, said in a statement, “The tourism security in the Ministry of Interior, during the first half of this year, closed 997 violating tourist facilities and 159 violating companies as well.”[/size]
[size=45]He added, "3,749 people accused of terrorism and criminal cases were arrested during the first half of 2024 by the tourist security as well."[/size]
[size=45]Economic expert Aziz Al-Dulaimi said, “Tourist facilities contribute to attracting tourists, which leads to increased financial revenues and development of the local economy,” noting that “tourism creates job opportunities in various sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and retail.”[/size]
[size=45]He added, "Iraq has a rich cultural history that spans thousands of years, and tourism contributes to promoting and spreading Iraqi culture and heritage on a wide scale."
He explained, "Visits by tourists from different countries provide an opportunity for cultural exchange and learning about new customs and traditions."[/size]
[size=45]As for the reasons that lead to legal violations of some tourist facilities, the economic specialist explains: “There may be a violation of laws related to health and safety, the environment, or building standards. Failure to comply with these standards may lead to legal penalties.”
He explained that “operating tourist facilities requires obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, and operating without these licenses or not renewing them may constitute a legal violation.”[/size]
[size=45]He added, "Some tourist facilities may exploit archaeological sites illegally or without the approval of the competent authorities, which exposes them to legal accountability."[/size]
[size=45]Al-Dulaimi continued, “Financial violations such as tax evasion or failure to adhere to financial controls can lead to legal problems.”[/size]
[size=45]He called for “adherence to laws and regulations, which is necessary to ensure the continuity and growth of the tourism sector in a healthy and legal manner.”[/size]
[size=45]For his part, the Director General of the Tourism Facilities Department at the Authority, Abdul Qader Al-Jumaili, stated that “the Authority, in cooperation with all security agencies, especially tourism security, has begun to follow up and close many travel and tourism companies that do not have a license to practice the profession from the Tourism Authority, in addition to violations by some companies, for example, that do not have an authorized manager, and therefore these are considered violations, and the Tourism Authority closed them.”[/size]
[size=45]Al-Jumaili added, “This work is not only being carried out in Baghdad, but in all Iraqi provinces, and is not limited to travel and tourism companies only, but there are committees formed to follow up on hotels, restaurants, all tourist facilities and the rest of the shops that practice tourism activities, and we are trying to limit the phenomenon of the spread of unlicensed restaurants and hotels, as well as travel and tourism companies.”[/size]
[size=45]He continued, “Work is underway between all tourism departments to address these cases so that there is no negative interaction by these unlicensed companies with citizens, especially after we received complaints from many citizens who deal with these companies by organizing trips inside or outside Iraq’s governorates. We receive all complaints from citizens against any company, and if any company is proven to be in violation or fictitious, it is closed and the matter is referred to the judiciary to take legal action.”[/size]
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