For the New Year celebrations, the Kurdistan Region is gearing up to welcome a significant number of tourists. Public spaces are being decorated to enhance the festive atmosphere.
Last year, the region hosted 200,000 tourists, and this year, the number is expected to exceed that figure. To prepare for the influx, several activities are set to begin mid-month, including cultural, artistic, and intellectual events, as well as festivals promoting local products and handicrafts.
Ibrahim Abdul Majid, the spokesman for the Tourism Board of the Kurdistan Regional Government, stated that numerous preparations are underway to welcome tourists spending their New Year holidays in the Kurdistan Region. At a general level, a dedicated hotline has been established for tourists to seek assistance when needed. At the level of public directorates, several committees have been formed, each assigned specific tasks and responsibilities. Among these, the most important are the teams stationed at checkpoints, who aim to provide a warm welcome and showcase the beauty of the Kurdistan Region.
The spokesman explained, “Preparations are taking place at two levels. The first level involves the public sector, including coordination between the Tourism Board and relevant government entities in the Kurdistan Region, such as internal security and regional checkpoints. It is reassuring to see that the checkpoints are facilitating tourists’ entry efficiently, completing all procedures within a few minutes.”
He further noted, “Our teams at checkpoints will greet tourists by providing maps and guidance. In city centers, tourist information centers will be reopened at locations where New Year celebrations and activities will take place. This ensures that tourists have access to the services they need.”
Additionally, he highlighted, “Preparations and coordination have been made with hotel and restaurant associations to ensure that all tourist facilities are fully equipped to accommodate visitors.”