The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Masrour Barzani, emphasized the government’s strong focus on developing the tourism sector as a key priority. Speaking at the launch of the Visit Kurdistan Foundation, Barzani highlighted Kurdistan’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical sites as major attractions for both domestic and international visitors.
Barzani stated that Kurdistan is home to hundreds of internationally recognized archaeological sites and tourist destinations, such as the Shanidar Cave and Erbil Citadel. He noted the region’s diverse religious sites, including ancient burial grounds, monasteries, mosques, temples, and churches, reflecting a long history of coexistence and peace among communities.
“From a tourism perspective, we have important foundations that can become a significant source of income and create many job opportunities for young people,” Barzani said. He also pointed to Kurdistan’s scenic landscapes, which offer tourism opportunities throughout all four seasons.
The Visit Kurdistan platform was presented as a major step toward promoting the region globally and attracting foreign tourists. Barzani stressed the importance of cooperation between the government and private sector in reaching the ambitious goal of welcoming 20 million tourists to the Kurdistan Region within the next decade.
“The arrival of tourists is a chance to mix cultures and showcase Kurdistan to the world,” he added, noting the role of media and social networks in spreading awareness about the region’s tourism potential.
Barzani described Visit Kurdistan as a model of public-private partnership that aligns with the government’s broader strategy to boost tourism and the local economy.
