Welcome to one of the most dangerous places on earth: Iraq launches itself as the hot, new holiday destination

If it wasn't for the suicide bombings, shootings and the ever-present threat of kidnap, it would not be a difficult task - Iraq has some of the world's finest archaeological sitesand the holiest places in Islam.

Which is why hundreds of hoteliers and tourism officials are meeting this week to work out how to attract visitors to Baghdad.

But Iraq's cultural treasures are not what they once were. 

Fun for all: Iraqis walk at Al-Zawra Zoo and Amusement Park in Baghdad. More Iraqis are enjoying outdoor activities as the security situation continues to improve

All at sea: Iraqis get to grips with a paddle boat during a day out in Baghdad

Baghdad Museum was looted after the 2003 US invasion and American troops were accused of harming artifacts when they built a base on the site of Babylon.

The golden domed al-Askari shrine, one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam, was destroyed in a bombing in 2006 - although it is now being re-built. 

The 99ft Arch of Ctesiphon - part of what was once the largest city in the world - was damaged in the Gulf War, and the city of Nineveh is in an area too dangerous to explore.

Neshwar al-Joubouri, 32, a Tourist Ministry employee, bemoaned the state of the industry and the damage to historic sites. 

Still dangerous: An Iraqi army soldier holds a rocked propelled grenade launcher as he patrols the streets of Baghdad's Abu Ghraib district yesterday

She said: 'We are always saying that we do not have a future but we have a history. Now it feels as though we have no history and no future.'

Hamood Massam al-Yakoubi, head of Iraq's Tourism Board, said: 'I would like tourists from around the world to visit because there is a lot to see.'

The Foreign Office advises against visiting all but a handful of provinces in the country, and only then if the trip is essential.

Despite concern over dangers, there are small signs that the tourism plan may eventually succeed.

A new international airport is due to open in the holy city of Najaf at the weekend.

The majority of religious tourists - about 95 per cent - are from Iran but there are a handful of Britons.

Mr Yakoubi said: 'From the European countries we received around 5,000 tourists this year - groups from Germany, from Ukraine but most of them are from London.

'They visit as part of religious tourism to the cities' shrines, typically spending three days in Najaf and four days in Karbala.'

Now Mr Yakoubi wants to attract more package tours and independent visitors.

Iraq, regarded as the birthplace of civilisation, was a hugely popular holiday destination for visitors from countries such as Japan, France and Germany before Saddam Hussein went to war with Iran in 1980. 

Culture club: A visitor looks at an artwork displayed at an exhibition showcasing the works of Czech artists in Baghdad