Government aims to transform local destinations into world-class attractions, drawing millions
The Chairman of the Erbil Provincial Council, Ali Rasheed, says that preparations for attracting tourists to Kurdistan are becoming more advanced and ambitious. A comprehensive international master plan has been developed to help transform Kurdistan’s tourist destinations into globally recognized locations capable of drawing millions of visitors.
Speaking to The Kurdish Globe, Rasheed stated: “Strong preparations have been made to attract tourists to Kurdistan, especially in the tourist areas along Erbil’s borders. In Erbil city center, the opening of restaurants, cafes, the arrival of global food brands, 24-hour markets and public areas, and the development of commercial and industrial centers, including handicraft markets and electronics markets, have all positioned Erbil as a city welcoming both foreign and domestic tourists.”
He added that an international master plan has been developed to strengthen key tourist sites. “For example, under the supervision of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, a tourism master plan is now being implemented for the Soran district,” Rasheed explained.
“The objective is to elevate these destinations from local to international status and significantly increase the number of tourists.”
Two years ago, a delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), including representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, visited the Soran Independent Administration to begin preparing a master plan for developing the area’s tourism sector. That plan, designed by a team of international experts, adheres to modern global tourism standards and is now being implemented under direct government supervision.
According to Rasheed, the master plan has already begun to take shape in areas such as Pirzhê, Sekran, Korek, Fêlaw, Shingalbanê, and Hawînê Hêwarî Bêxaḷ, which he described as a future “flagship international tourist destination.” “Just a few days ago, that site was closed for renovation as part of the master plan’s implementation. The broader five-year plan is progressing quickly, and renovation work is also underway in areas such as Bêxaḷ, Balêkayêtî, Sîdêkan, Rwandz, and beyond,” he said.
Ali Rasheed further added that other tourist sites, including Gomespan and the Gomespan Dam, are being prepared for tourism development. “Prime Minister Masrour Barzani is closely overseeing the implementation of these master plans. His vision is for Kurdistan’s tourist areas to move beyond their local character and enter a more advanced and internationally competitive stage,” Rasheed noted.
He emphasized that Kurdistan has all the right conditions to attract millions of tourists in a short time—especially under this master plan designed to globalize its tourism offerings.
“Eventually, Kurdistan will become the tourism capital of Iraq and the broader region. That is our dream and ultimate goal,” he said.
According to the General Directorate of Tourism, millions of tourists have visited Kurdistan’s tourist areas annually over the past three years.
The Kurdish Globe