According to The North West Star, as cited by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the number of Australian visitors to Iraq has been rising significantly. The report attributes this growing interest to Iraq’s rich historical and cultural heritage, which has propelled it to the top of the list of emerging tourist destinations.
David Smyth, an adventurer and travel consultant, shared with the newspaper that “many of his clients, particularly those aged between 50 and 70, are booking trips to explore the historical and cultural treasures that Iraq offers.” He emphasized that these intrepid travellers are drawn to the authentic experiences the country provides.
Smyth, following his clients’ lead, visited Iraq in 2023, exploring the ancient Sumerian city of Ur. He described his experience, saying, “Mesopotamia is the cradle of civilization; the history was truly mind-blowing.”