Kurdistan’s vibrant summer: a hub for tourists and eco-friendly initiatives

Shafaq News/
Each summer, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) becomes a premier tourist
destination, drawing thousands of visitors from near and far. This influx
bolsters the regional economy, driven by the Region’s stunning landscapes, mild
climate, and rich cultural heritage, making it one of the most popular tourist
spots in the country.

Kurdistan’s
Natural Wonders

Youssef
Ahmed, a local tour guide, highlighted the unique appeal of the KRI, which is known
for its diverse landscape that ranges from towering mountains to verdant
valleys. He told Shafaq News Agency that the Azmar and Soran Mountains are
among the top attractions, offering hiking and mountain biking opportunities. “Rivers
and waterfalls, such as the Ahmad Awa, also provide scenic spots for picnicking
and relaxation.”

Moreover,
Ahmed emphasized that Kurdistan’s appeal extends beyond its natural beauty.
“Tourism here isn’t just about landscapes,” he said, pointing to the
Region’s rich cultural and historical diversity. Visitors can explore
archaeological landmarks, including Sherwana Castle in the south of
Al-Sulaymaniyah and the ancient Erbil Citadel, some of the oldest inhabited
castles globally. In major cities like Al-Sulaymaniyah and Duhok, various
cultural events and summer festivals showcase traditional arts and music.

The Region
also offers a wide array of recreational activities, including camping,
fishing, and nature walks. According to Ahmed, visitors can experience “a
complete tourism package,” with local cafes and restaurants serving
authentic regional cuisine, further enhancing the experience.

Eco-Tourism,
Conservation Efforts

Kurdistan’s
commitment to environmental conservation is becoming increasingly evident as
the Region enhances its eco-tourism efforts. Environmental activist Anwar
Mohammed states, “Kurdistan is renowned for its breathtaking natural
landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and waterfalls.” He noted to our
agency that rising environmental awareness among residents and tourists has
spurred intensified efforts to preserve these resources and promote sustainable
tourism.

Many tourist
areas in Al-Sulaymaniyah have implemented strict waste management policies,
encouraging visitors to use designated trash bins and recycle. Mohammed
highlighted, “These initiatives have helped reduce pollution and maintain
the cleanliness of natural areas.” In response to growing tourism
interest, several nature reserves have been established across Kurdistan to
protect endangered species and provide sustainable environments for exploration.
For instance, the Chavi Land tourist complex in Al-Sulaymaniyah features
numerous reserves for visitors to enjoy.

In addition,
some tourism projects in Kurdistan, particularly in Al-Sulaymaniyah, are
adopting solar energy as an alternative to fossil fuels. Mohammed emphasized
that “this approach enhances environmental protection and reduces carbon
emissions.”

Tourism in
Kurdistan has also become a platform for environmental education. “Quick
awareness campaigns are organized for tourists by local tourism teams upon arrival,”
Mohammed explained. These campaigns include distributing posters and brochures
on environmental sustainability and providing ways to minimize their ecological
footprint during their visit.

Mohammed
concluded that tourism is more than just an economic activity. “It can be
an effective environmental improvement and preservation tool through
sustainable practices…The Region’s approach to balancing tourism development
with environmental protection sets a model for other areas, potentially
inspiring similar initiatives across Iraq.”

Economic And
Cultural Impact

Summer
tourism in Kurdistan has emerged as both a key economic driver and a platform
for cultural exchange. Intisar Saleh, an activist, highlighted to Shafaq News
Agency that “summer tourism in KRI is not only about relaxation and
enjoying the natural beauty but also plays a crucial role in supporting the
local economy.” She noted that tourist hotspots like Shaqlawa, Erbil,
Al-Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok are rich with resorts and hotels that offer
distinctive experiences. “Numerous cultural and entertainment events
during the summer enhance the Region’s appeal to tourists,” Saleh added.

Saleh
estimated that “summer tourism generates millions of dollars annually,
significantly bolstering the local economy.” This revenue stream includes
income from hotel stays, shopping, dining at local restaurants, and organized
tours. Furthermore, she pointed out, “Summer tourism promotes cultural
understanding between visitors and locals, as tourists experience Kurdistan’s
heritage through handicrafts, traditional cuisine, and festivals.”

“All of
this boosts the Region’s image as a safe and stable destination.”

Kak Kamran,
a hotel worker in Al-Sulaymaniyah, explained to Shafaq News Agency,
“Summer tourism creates both seasonal and permanent job opportunities for
locals.” These roles span various sectors, including hospitality,
services, and retail. “It has become a primary alternative to government
jobs for many young people and families,” he said, noting that it also
helps address the employment gap caused by the ongoing salary crisis.

The rise in
tourist numbers has led to increased investments in tourism infrastructure.
“Local and foreign investments are notably growing, focusing on new
resorts, road improvements, and the development of tourist attractions,”
Kamran noted.

Investment
And Expansion Plans

In an
interview with Shafaq News Agency, Ibrahim Abdul-Majid, spokesperson for the
KRI’s Tourism Board, confirmed, “The Region’s Ninth Cabinet has
prioritized the tourism sector due to its positive impact on market activity
and job creation for local citizens.” He added, “Investment in
tourism has surpassed $5 billion over the past four years, making it the
leading sector for investment.”

In this
context, The KRI’s Tourism Board has laid out comprehensive plans to develop
its tourism sector further, focusing on expanding recreational sites and
improving visitor services.

According to
the Board’s spokesperson, the Region currently boasts over 3,100 tourist,
archaeological, and recreational sites, including heritage sites, hotels,
restaurants, and entertainment centers.

Abdul-Majid added
that the Board is committed to increasing these numbers by providing more
investment opportunities in the sector. “We have continuous plans to
enhance services,” he said, stressing that these efforts are aimed at
attracting more tourists, a trend already reflected in the annual rise in
visitor numbers.

As part of
its strategy, the Board also introduces a precise accounting system to monitor
the flow of tourists and visitors. “This system will classify tourists by
gender, age group, and other demographic details,” Abdul-Majid explained,
underscoring the importance of such data in tailoring future tourism
initiatives.