🔻Bazarkurdistan:
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has launched the “Visit Kurdistan” platform, designed to promote the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance. By setting a long-term goal of attracting 20 million international tourists, the KRG is presenting Kurdistan not only as a regional getaway but as a global cultural destination.
This strategy is backed by concrete data: arrivals grew from just 700,000 in 2015 to over 8 million in 2024, a nearly twelvefold increase. With such momentum, Kurdistan is marketing itself as a safe, vibrant, and culturally rich alternative to other Middle Eastern destinations.
Tourism infrastructure has become a priority, with more than USD 174 million invested in 2024 alone. New hotels, resorts, eco-tourism ventures, and entertainment facilities are emerging across Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok. Today, the region boasts more than 700 hotels, 80 major resorts, and 1,150 restaurants, alongside major landmarks such as the Erbil Citadel, Rawanduz Canyon, and Shanidar Cave.
High-profile projects like the Korek Mountain Resort & Spa, Iraq’s only ski resort with a gondola lift, and the proposed Halgurd Sakran National Park are positioning Kurdistan as a year-round adventure and leisure destination.
Cultural and Community Integration
Beyond its landscapes, Kurdistan is emphasizing cultural and heritage tourism. Sites linked to Mesopotamian history and Kurdish identity—such as Amedi, Halabja, and Akre—are central to this narrative.
A UNDP–USAID Tourism Enterprise Program is also creating opportunities for women and youth in handicrafts and cultural enterprises, ensuring that tourism growth benefits local communities directly. This grassroots approach strengthens authenticity while fostering inclusive development.
Economic Impact and Expected Outcomes
The tourism sector generated USD 1.3 billion in revenue in 2024, making up a significant portion of Kurdistan’s economy. With tourism accounting for 42% of regional investments, the sector is now a leading driver of growth.
Key expected outcomes include:
Visitor Growth: Achieving the milestone of 20 million tourists by 2035.
Job Creation: Expanding opportunities across hospitality, transport, and creative industries.
Economic Diversification: Reducing reliance on oil by making tourism a pillar of sustainable development.
Cultural Branding: Establishing Kurdistan as a distinct global travel identity rooted in history and natural beauty.
Soft Power Expansion: Using tourism as a diplomatic tool to improve Kurdistan’s international image.
Tourism in the Kurdistan Region has doubled compared to the past five years, with nearly eight million tourists recorded last year alone. The department aims to continue this growth, setting an ambitious target to attract 20 million tourists annually by 2030.