Iran and Iraq Now to Host Joint Tourism Exhibition, Showcasing Ilam’s Rich Cultural and Tourism Assets

Published on December 19, 2025

Iran’s Ilam province and Karbala province within Iraq have made a agreement to hold an exhibition on tourism and handicrafts in Iraq in a move aimed at promoting their cultural collaboration and tourist ties. The agreement came into place during the visit to Iraq of the governor-general of Iran’s Ilam province and his delegation.

This was confirmed by Farzad Sharifi, the director general of cultural heritage, tourism, and handicrafts in Ilam province. The event that is scheduled to take place is expected to showcase Ilam’s cultural, tourism, and handicraft heritage.

Promoting Ilam’s Handicrafts and Tourism in Iraq

According to Sharifi, the exhibition, which will be held in Karbala, will emphasize the unique handicrafts and tourism potential of Ilam. This event will give Iraqis and international visitors the opportunity to experience the rich history and craftsmanship of Ilam province. As part of the agreement, the governor-general of Karbala has pledged full support for the exhibition, ensuring the use of facilities and resources to guarantee the success of the event.

The primary aim of the exhibition is to introduce Ilam’s cultural and tourism sectors to a broader audience, highlighting the province’s diverse handicrafts, historical sites, and natural beauty. Sharifi expressed his confidence that the exhibition would serve as an important platform for showcasing Ilam’s unique assets internationally, attracting both tourists and investors interested in the region’s potential.

Cultural Diplomacy and Strengthening Bilateral Relations

The collaboration between Ilam and Karbala is seen as a significant step toward promoting cultural diplomacy between Iran and Iraq. By organizing such an event, the two provinces aim to enhance mutual understanding, encourage cross-border tourism, and create economic opportunities for local artisans and tourism operators in both regions. The exhibition is expected to foster stronger bilateral ties and increase cooperation in areas such as tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.

For Ilam, the exhibition is an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to cultural preservation and tourism development. The region’s tourism sector, which includes historical sites, religious landmarks, and stunning natural landscapes, has the potential to attract international visitors, particularly from neighboring Iraq. The exhibition will also serve as a tool to promote Ilam as an emerging destination for cultural tourism.

Ilam: A Region Rich in Cultural and Tourism Potential

Ilam province, located in southwestern Iran, offers a wealth of opportunities for cultural and eco-tourism. The province is part of the Zagros mountain range, which is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including lush forests, scenic valleys, and rugged mountains. Ilam is home to a variety of natural attractions, making it an appealing destination for eco-tourists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts.

In addition to its natural beauty, Ilam boasts a rich cultural heritage, with ancient sites, historical landmarks, and vibrant local traditions. The province is renowned for its handicrafts, including textiles, pottery, and carpets, which are deeply rooted in the region’s history and craftsmanship. These unique handicrafts will take center stage at the upcoming exhibition in Karbala, where local artisans will have the chance to showcase their work to a wider audience.

Ilam’s tourism potential is not limited to its natural and cultural offerings. The province also has economic prospects in agriculture, energy, and transport corridors, making it a key player in Iran’s broader economic development. The region’s proximity to Iraq—sharing a 425-kilometer border—adds another layer of opportunity for cross-border tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.

The Impact on Tourism: A Win-Win for Both Countries

The joint tourism and handicrafts exhibition between Ilam and Karbala is expected to have a positive impact on tourism in both regions. For Ilam, the exhibition will provide a significant boost to its tourism sector by attracting visitors from Iraq and other countries in the region. Tourists who attend the exhibition will be able to learn about Ilam’s rich history, explore its cultural heritage, and experience its natural beauty.

For Iraq, the exhibition provides an opportunity to deepen its cultural ties with Iran and offer its citizens a chance to explore the diverse offerings of neighboring regions. Iraqis, particularly those living in Karbala, are already familiar with the historical and cultural significance of Ilam, and the exhibition will give them a chance to experience the province’s unique offerings firsthand.

The event will likely increase the flow of tourists between the two countries, stimulating both regions’ tourism economies. By highlighting Ilam’s tourist attractions, the exhibition could open the door to more organized tours, travel packages, and cross-border collaboration in tourism-related services, which would benefit local businesses, accommodations, and tour operators.

Economic Opportunities for Artisans and Tourism Operators

In addition to promoting tourism, the exhibition will provide valuable economic opportunities for local artisans and tourism operators in Ilam. Handicrafts play a central role in the province’s economy, and the exhibition will allow artisans to expand their reach beyond local markets and attract buyers from abroad. The event will also foster partnerships between local businesses and international buyers, which could lead to increased sales and greater recognition of Ilam’s craftsmanship.

For tourism operators, the exhibition offers a chance to promote the region’s hotels, transportation services, and guided tours. The increased exposure could lead to a surge in bookings, as tourists become more aware of the tourism opportunities available in Ilam. Moreover, tourism-related businesses in both Ilam and Karbala will benefit from the influx of visitors, as the event will draw attention to both provinces as emerging tourism destinations.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Cultural and Tourism Cooperation

The success of the Ilam-Karbala tourism and handicrafts exhibition could pave the way for future cultural and tourism collaborations between Iran and Iraq. The exhibition is only the beginning of what could become a regular series of events designed to showcase the cultural, historical, and natural assets of both regions. If successful, the initiative could expand to include more provinces in Iran and Iraq, further deepening the cultural and tourism ties between the two countries.

The growing cultural exchange between Iran and Iraq has the potential to strengthen regional tourism, foster economic development, and create new opportunities for both countries. By focusing on shared heritage, tourism, and handicrafts, the two nations can work together to promote mutual understanding and cooperation while benefiting from increased tourism flows and economic growth.

A New Chapter for Tourism and Cultural Exchange in the Region

The upcoming joint exhibition on tourism and handicrafts in the Iraqi city of Karbala symbolizes a major milestone in improving the relationship between Ilam in Iran and Karbala in Iraq regarding issues of tourism and culture. In fact, the exhibition, besides highlighting the diverse culture of Ilam in Iran, will actually increase tourist activities and at the same time improve the relationship between the Iranian and Iraqi governments. Indeed, with improving tourist activities in this region, the exhibition will shape the future of Iranian-Iraqi tourist relations.