PHOTOS: Kurdistan Region's mountain snowscapes attract thousands of winter tourists

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Winter tourists from all over Iraq are flocking to the majestic snowscapes of the autonomous Kurdistan Region, including Hassan-Beg Mountain in Erbil’s district of Soran. 

“It is one of the most stunning views of snow we have ever seen, as it is our first time to Hassan-Beg Mountain,” one of the visitors told Kurdistan 24.

“Besides enjoying the snow and the view, we also like the respect and treatment we have faced so far, whether it is from the security checkpoint at the entrance or from the people,” he added.

Most tourists who visit the Kurdistan Region come from the central and southern provinces of Iraq, while others travel from Iran and other countries.

According to Soran tourism officials, more than 5,000 tourists per day have been visiting the district since Dec. 29 to enjoy the district's dramatic rural beauty and relaxed security environment when compared with the rest of Iraq.

The Kurdistan Region has multiple rich historical sites and plenty of tourist destinations. Additionally, its geography and sparsely populated expanses ensure that it stands out starkly from the rest of the Middle East.

In the past few years, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has launched various efforts to boost both the tourism and agriculture sectors as a means of diversifying the region’s sources of revenue. 

Editing by John J. Catherine