In April 5-7, 2008 The Najaf Tourism Conference NTC will be the first such event ever organized in Iraq. The Najaf Provincial Reconstruction Team PRT supports the Conference which is designed to provide a forum for Najafi Officials and businessmen to highlight the significant potential of the tourism industry in Najaf.

Because of its religious significance, Najaf receives millions of visitors each year. This steady influx of visitors represents a unique and largely untapped opportunity for businessmen and investors interested in tourism-related businesses -- including transportation (especially including aviation, due to the ongoing construction of a new airport in Najaf), hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and other tourism-related businesses.

The Najaf Tourism Conference will provide a unique opportunity for international businessmen to learn about Najaf's potential, as well as a forum for interested investors to network with Najafi officials and businessmen.

  The NTC is expected to be a three day event, which will be held in the City of Najaf at Kufa University from April 5, 2008 through April 7, 2008. 

• The morning of Day One is expected to feature VIP speakers, including the Najaf Governor, the Iraqi PM (or delegated VIP), and the Ambassador (or delegated VIP). 
• The afternoon of Day One will continue with panel discussions and symposia, as well as the presentation of Research Papers specially prepared for the NTC. 
• Days Two and Three of the NTC will include additional panel discussions, and the presentation of additional Research Papers; as well as multi-media presentations highlighting Najaf’s tourism-related business opportunities. 
• The Tourism Committee is also commissioning a play, "The Past, Present, and Future of Najaf," which will be performed at the NTC. 
• The afternoon of Day Three is expected to include a field trip to Najaf's market, mosques, and other notable tourist sites.   

The Najaf Provincial Reconstruction Team (“PRT”) is supporting the Tourism Conference, and at the request of the Najaf Tourism Committee, the PRT will be leading the effort to contact and invite American and international businessmen to attend the Conference.   

The PRT will likely provide some support in facilitating travel, accommodations, and security for international attendees, but the exact level of that support has yet to be determined. The PRT expects to attend the full Conference, security permitting.  

The PRT expects to receive from the Tourism Committee a finalized Schedule of Events for the NTC (including list of speakers) by March 20, 2008, and will disseminate this information to potential attendees upon receipt.   

Individuals interested in attending the Najaf Tourism Conference should contact Spence Kelly, Senior Business Development Advisor for the Najaf PRT, at (240) 553-0670, Ext. 4147, or KellySH@N0SPAM.state.gov .