Kurdistan Region readies for tourists influx for new year celebrations

Dec. 13, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The Kurdistan Regional Government's Tourism Board has stated complete provisions have been made for the approaching New Year festivities.

The Board also highlighted that the expectations are that the Kurdistan Region could welcome more than 200,000 tourists for the occasion.

On Friday, the spokesperson for the KRG Tourism Board Ibrahim Abdul Majid told Kurdistan24 that preparations are in progress on two distinct levels. 

"The first level includes public sector coordination between the Tourism Board and relevant KRG departments, together with internal security and border checkpoints, where comprehensive assistance for tourist entry has been organized with minimal processing times," he explained.

The spokesperson specified that a number of dedicated committees have been formed at the directorate level with various responsibilities. 

"Maps and guidance will be offered to the visiting tourists by our teams at checkpoints, while also checking tourist facilities in city centers hosting New Year events to guarantee service quality," Abdul Majid said.

The board has employed measures to ward off price gouging by merchants during the holiday season and set up emergency hotlines for tourists. 

Coordination with hotels and restaurants has also been finalized to ensure readiness for the arrival of visitors.

"Mid-December will see the unveiling of various cultural, artistic, and festival activities, including displays of local products and handicrafts," Abdul Majid added. 

"Some events will be overseen by the Tourism Board directly, while others will be coordinated by local administrations," he added.

The Kurdistan Region becomes a favorite destination for tourists during the new year festive season. Last year, the region welcomed 200,000 tourists during the New Year period, and officials anticipate that number to exceed this season.