New Iraqi Airport Hope To Boost Religious Tourism

Najaf, Iraq (AHN) - In a bid to boost tourism in the city, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Sunday inaugurated a new airport in the southern city of Najaf.

According to Al Jazeerahe Al-Hamza airport has been opened in what could be a key step in the reconstruction of Iraq, according to Al Jazeera.

Almost 9 million pilgrims reportedly travel to Iraq every year to visit Shiite shrines in Najaf and other religious sites such as Karbala. With a new airport to accommodate the travelers, the numbers of pious tourists is expected to surge by as much as 10 percent annually.

Kuwaiti investment firm Al-Aqeelah - which handled the multi-billion dollar project - also plans to build hotel chains and houses in the area.

Since the U.S.-led invasion in the country, violence in Iraq has reportedly reached a four-year low and government politicians have begun to seek investment deals to promote the country.