Tourism to become KRG economic foundation

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (K24) – In an international tourism conference held in Erbil on Saturday, the Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani discussed the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) economic plans.

The Prime Minister explained that the KRG intends to spread its economic efforts to other areas, and not just oil and gas revenues. "The KRG has an extensive plan and is working to promote tourism together with agriculture and industry sectors as sources of income instead of over-reliance on oil and gas revenues,” Barzani addressed representatives of 500 local and foreign tourism companies.

He remarked that tourism is of great importance to the KRG since it helps pave the way for absorbing investment. “I hope this conference encourages the private sectors to seize the opportunity and make improvements in the Region’s tourism,” Barzani added.

Barzani stressed that the 27 countries who are participating in the ongoing war against Islamic State (IS) extremists, and those providing assistance to ease the economic crisis, are not only significant events for the tourism sector but "a valuable message of support and Sympathy to the Kurdistan Region.”

"Since 2006 when the Board of Investment started working in the Kurdistan Region over $6 billion was invested in the tourism sector," the Prime Minister mentioned.

He pointed out to the statistics of the years 2007 to 2016 during which an enormous progression in the tourism area has taken place. For example, he revealed that the number of hotels and restaurants has increased from 105 to 620 in the Kurdistan Region since 2007.

"The number of tourists has increased from 377,000 to nearly three million during these years, most of which have come from central and southern Iraq and Iran," Barzani estimated.

However, he expressed that during the last two years, the war against “IS terrorism," the financial crisis and the Region’s budget cut by Baghdad has largely affected tourism. He further emphasized creating the culture of tourism as a necessary factor in developing the sector and called on the relevant sides in the KRG as well as Kurdish media outlets to cooperate in raising awareness about tourism.

He asked the local and foreign investors to take advantage of the natural and historical attractions of the Kurdistan Region and create a suitable ground for tourism.

Barzani urged the Ministry of Municipality, General Board of Tourism and other related sectors to provide all necessary facilitations, such as decreasing routines and bureaucracy, to help tourism flourish. He also asked that they contribute effectively to the KRG economic plans in developing welfare and tourism services.

Barzani wished the Kurdish people a joyous Newroz, also recognizing that Peshmerga heroism and self-sacrifice allows the Kurdistan Region to enjoy security and stability.

Reporting by Gulala Khaled
Edited by Karzan Sulaivany