Two million tourists in first half of this year visited Erbil province

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Erbil Tourism Board announced on Saturday that approximately two million tourists visited the tourist attractions of Erbil province in the first half of this year, thanks to the stability of the Kurdistan Region. This summer, the tourist attractions have been bustling with visitors from central and southern Iraq, as well as foreign countries.

According to the figures provided by the Erbil Tourism Board, the number of tourists visiting the tourist attractions in Erbil province reached two million in the first six months of this year. This increase can be attributed to the stability of the Kurdistan Region and the difference in temperature between the Kurdistan Region and other Iraqi provinces.

Assad Kalsho, who traveled to Erbil with his family from the United States, shared with Kurdistan24: "Overall, the situation in the Kurdistan Region is calm, stable, beautiful, and cleaner compared to other Iraqi provinces. We need to communicate and work together to enhance the services in the country, which is why we chose this destination."

"Shaqlawa and Erbil are both popular tourist destinations. I encountered friendly and welcoming people. You feel at home. They don't care about your background, whether you're Kurdish, Muslim, or follow any other religion," he added.

Zirak Biko, the president of the Erbil Hotels Association, informed Kurdistan24 that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has granted a 20 percent discount on tourist attractions and taxes, which will assist hotel owners in offering improved services.