Growing visitor numbers and new investments strengthen tourism as a key driver of the Region’s economy.
The Kurdistan Region continues to experience strong growth in its tourism sector, with increasing numbers of visitors and expanding tourism infrastructure reinforcing its role as an important part of the economy.
According to official statistics, more than 861,000 tourists visited Erbil province during the first four months of the year. The province currently offers approximately 445 hotels and motels, 47 tourist villages, and hundreds of tourist cabins to accommodate visitors.
Dler Mohammed, Director of Erbil Tourism, said the Kurdistan Regional Government’s investment in tourism projects has helped attract growing numbers of visitors, particularly from central and southern Iraq. He noted that more than 7,000 tourists arrive in Erbil daily, with numbers rising significantly during holidays and special occasions.
Duhok province has also seen remarkable growth, benefiting from its scenic landscapes, cool climate, and natural attractions. Tourism officials report that more than 50 tourism projects have been completed in recent years, contributing to the development of nearly 750 tourism facilities and 230 natural tourist sites.
Today, Duhok offers around 140 hotels, motels, and resorts with a capacity of more than 17,000 guests per night. The tourism sector has become one of the Region’s most important economic pillars, creating employment opportunities for more than 13,000 people and strengthening Kurdistan’s position as a leading tourist destination in Iraq.