Spring Break: Iraq?

Cancun, Miami, San Diego…Baghdad?

Well, even if you’re not planning on going there for Spring Break, Iraq made an important step in becoming at least a viable destination for world travelers when Etihad Airways announced the commencement of flights between Abu Dhabi and Baghdad beginning on April 26th.

Surprised? So was I. Honestly, it feels like the last time Iraq was a destination in world travel was around the time of The Orient Express.

Although “Murder on the Baghdad Shuttle” begs a Dan Brown novel, I sincerely hope this will be the start of a normalization period for Iraq.

In an official statement Etihad’s CEO noted strong demand from government and business travelers, in addition to that of Iraqi ex-pats and nationals visiting friends and family.

Soon to follow on the heels of increased travel: a re-growth of tourism, and finally, the history of two devastating wars in such a short period of time fading into a thing of the past.

Hey, if Europe can do it, so can the Middle East.

So, Spring Break Iraq? Don’t count it out.

Photo taken in Baghdad by Wathiq Khuzaie/Getty Images