Somalia Showcases Tourism Potential at Arab Ministerial Meeting in Baghdad

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BAGHDAD: Somalia used a regional tourism meeting in Baghdad to position itself as an emerging destination for investment and travel, signalling a shift from post-conflict recovery to economic revival.

At the 28th Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism, Ambassador Ridwan Hirsi Mohamed, representing the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, outlined Somalia’s growing stability and presented its coastline, natural assets and cultural heritage as core pillars of a new tourism strategy.

The outcome of the session placed Somalia back into the regional tourism conversation, with the delegation highlighting areas seen as commercially viable for investors, including coastal development, eco-tourism and cultural tourism.

Ambassador Ridwan said improved security and governance have created conditions for tourism growth, and pointed to the country’s 3,333-km coastline, Africa’s longest, as a prime opportunity for resort development in cities such as Mogadishu, Kismayo, Bosaso and Berbera. He also emphasised fertile river valleys, mountain landscapes and wildlife areas that could support niche eco-tourism markets.

On cultural tourism, the ambassador promoted Somalia’s historical connections to the ancient Land of Punt and its long-standing trade links with the Arabian Peninsula, noting that such heritage offers strong potential for regional tourism circuits.

Officials said Somalia’s presentation helped reinforce its reintegration into the Arab tourism framework and aimed to attract partners interested in supporting the country’s economic recovery through sustainable tourism projects.

The Somali delegation also thanked Iraq for hosting the session and praised Arab League institutions for promoting tourism as a driver of economic cooperation across the region.