Condé Nast Traveler, one of the world’s leading travel and lifestyle magazines, has named Erbil as Asia’s top travel destination for 2026, highlighting the city’s stability, historic significance, and rapid modernization.
In its exclusive feature, the magazine described Erbil as “a calm spot in a volatile region,” praising the city’s unique blend of heritage and contemporary urban growth. The recognition places Erbil at the forefront of Asian destinations for the coming year.
According to Condé Nast Traveler, the city’s ranking is a result of multiple factors. Erbil has distinguished itself as a safe and welcoming destination, offering visitors a peaceful environment despite regional tensions. Its rich history and cultural heritage, most notably the UNESCO-listed Erbil Citadel—regarded as the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlement—continue to attract international tourists. At the same time, new infrastructure, major construction projects, and the arrival of global brands, including Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger and EL&N London, reflect the city’s growing modern identity. Visitors also praise the warmth of local hospitality and the lively social scene in areas such as Ankawa, which contribute to a vibrant and diverse experience. Efforts to promote tourism, including the government-supported “Visit Kurdistan” campaign launched in 2025, have further strengthened Erbil’s appeal on the global stage.
Condé Nast Traveler, part of the global Condé Nast network which publishes Vogue, Vanity Fair, GQ, and The New Yorker, is widely regarded for its annual Readers’ Choice Awards and influential destination rankings. Under the leadership of the Ninth Cabinet, the Kurdistan Regional Government has made tourism a key priority, promoting cultural heritage, improving services, and supporting private sector initiatives to attract more visitors.
