Growing Tourist Arrivals Tell the Story of the Kurdistan Region's Tourism Success

Tourism in the Kurdistan Region has grown steadily over the past decade, becoming a key area of opportunity for both local development and international investment. With its combination of striking natural beauty, rich cultural history, and improving infrastructure, the region is attracting more visitors each year. The rise in tourist arrivals is not just a sign of popularity - it reflects the serious efforts being made to develop a sustainable and competitive tourism sector.

The region’s temperate climate, welcoming people, and unique blend of adventure and heritage make it stand out in the Middle East. Whether it’s for leisure, culture, or nature, more people are choosing to explore what the Kurdistan Region has to offer. For investors and tourism professionals alike, this growing interest signals strong long-term potential.

A Decade of Steady Growth in Tourist Arrivals

The Kurdistan Region welcomed over 8 million tourists in 2024, marking a dramatic rise from just 700,000 visitors in 2015. This growth reflects a nearly twelvefold increase in less than a decade - a clear sign of the region’s rising appeal among travelers. Visitors come from across Iraq, neighboring countries, and increasingly from abroad, drawn by the cool climate, mountain landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.

While domestic tourism remains the largest segment, interest from international travelers is growing as infrastructure improves and awareness increases. The steady rise in arrivals highlights how the Kurdistan Region is becoming a year-round destination with broad and diverse appeal.

Tourism is Generating Investment and Creating Jobs

Tourism is playing an important role in diversifying the Kurdistan Region’s economy. In 2024 alone, the Board of Investment licensed 17 new tourism projects worth over 174 million US dollars. These investments include hotels, resorts, entertainment venues, and ecotourism developments - all of which support job creation, small business growth, and local services.

Since tourism touches many sectors - from hospitality to food production to transport - the benefits of growth extend across the economy. For investors, this makes tourism a gateway to wider opportunities, especially in regions outside the capital cities where unique natural and cultural destinations are located.

Roads and Airports are Opening New Tourism Corridors

Infrastructure has been a driving force behind the region’s tourism development. The Kurdistan Region is served by two international airports - in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah - that connect it to cities across the Middle East and Europe. These airports make the region easily accessible to diaspora communities, business travelers, and tourists alike.

On the ground, road networks have seen major upgrades. The new Erbil–Duhok highway has significantly improved travel times and road safety. The Pirmam Tunnel has eased traffic congestion and reduced travel time from Erbil to the Shaqlawa and Soran areas, while the Zakho Tunnel has improved the road connection between Duhok and Zakho.

New routes are also helping connect remote and scenic areas. A newly completed highway to Khalifan has made the popular destinations of Gali Ali Bag and Mount Korek easier to reach. Several other highways are under construction, including the Erbil–Koya highway and improved routes toward Lalish and other parts of Duhok and Slemani provinces, opening up even more opportunities for tourism growth.

Hospitality and Attractions are Keeping Pace with Demand

As tourism expands, so does the range and quality of places to stay and things to do. The Kurdistan Region now hosts more than 480 hotels, 282 motels, and hundreds of cafés and restaurants offering both local and international cuisine. Five-star brands, such as Radisson Blu, are active in Erbil and the Korek Mountain area, catering to tourists, business visitors, and diplomatic guests.

Resort developments have increased across the countryside, with a growing number of highland retreats, eco-lodges, and family-friendly entertainment venues. The Aqua Park Mero in Pank Resort is one of the largest in Iraq and continues to attract visitors year-round. In addition, smaller resorts and attractions are emerging in Soran, Choman, Kalar, Rania, Amedi and Halabja, offering varied experiences for domestic and international tourists.

These developments reflect a broader shift toward professional, well-serviced tourism offerings that meet international expectations while still preserving local character.

Culture, History, and Nature Make the Region Unique

The Kurdistan Region offers a rich tapestry of cultural and historical attractions, from ancient settlements like the Erbil Citadel - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - to natural wonders like Shanidar Cave, the Halgurd mountain, and Lake Dukan. Museums, archaeological sites, and historical towns offer deep insight into the region’s place in Mesopotamian and Kurdish history.

The natural landscape is equally compelling. The region’s mountains, valleys, rivers, and waterfalls provide a backdrop for hiking, skiing, camping, and sightseeing. Efforts are underway to further develop eco-tourism and adventure tourism, including mountain lodges and trails in areas like Barzan, Balakayati, and Penjwen.

Festivals and Events Keep the Tourism Calendar Active

One of the strengths of the Kurdistan Region’s tourism sector is the growing number of cultural and seasonal events held throughout the year. Newroz, the Kurdish New Year celebrated in March, draws hundreds of thousands of visitors, with Akre hosting the region’s largest and most iconic celebration. The event features traditional fire jumping, music, dancing, and mountain processions.

Other cultural festivals bring visitors from around Iraq and abroad. The Hanar (Pomegranate) festival in Halabja celebrates the province’s delicious and big pomegranates, while the Tam Food Festival in Slemani’s Hawari Shar Park highlights Kurdish cuisine and culinary innovation. Winter and spring festivals in places like Balakayati promote skiing and snow activities, and music, art, and book fairs add vibrancy to the region’s cities and towns throughout the year.

These festivals play a vital role in promoting domestic tourism, supporting artisans and farmers, and showcasing the region’s identity to a wider audience.

A Safe, Stable, and Welcoming Environment for Visitors

The Kurdistan Region has maintained peace and stability for over two decades. With low crime rates, effective local security, and a culture of hospitality, the region is widely regarded as one of the safest parts of Iraq. Tourists often highlight the warm welcome they receive - whether from hotel staff, restaurant owners, or people in villages and towns.

Surveys show high levels of public safety and confidence, particularly in urban areas, making the region a reassuring destination for families, solo travelers, and investors alike. This reputation is a major asset as the region continues to grow its global profile in tourism.

Opportunities Ahead for Investors and Developers

As the tourism sector grows, so does the need for new services, experiences, and infrastructure. There are clear gaps in the market for boutique hotels, resorts, cultural centers, eco-lodges, tour operators, booking platforms, and large-scale attractions such as museums and water parks.

Existing projects like the Zawa Mountain cable car in Duhok, the Dalal Corniche in Zakho, and developments around the Gomaspan Dam in Erbil show how public-private partnerships can transform regional tourism. Future opportunities exist in both established destinations and emerging ones, especially in areas with natural or cultural significance but limited existing facilities.

With supportive policies, rising demand, and ongoing infrastructure investment, the Kurdistan Region is positioning itself as a place where tourism can thrive - not only for visitors, but for those who help build it.