Skiing festival kicks off in Erbil’s Balakayati area, showcasing winter tourism potential
Held at the picturesque Pirzhe resort—an area known for its heavy snowfall—the festival aims to promote the Kurdistan Region as a prime destination for winter tourism.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Erbil’s Balakayati area has come alive with excitement as the highly anticipated skiing festival begins, bringing together 150 international and local athletes for two days of thrilling winter sports.
Held at the picturesque Pirzhe resort—an area known for its heavy snowfall—the festival aims to promote the Kurdistan Region as a prime destination for winter tourism. With a variety of activities planned, organizers hope to attract more foreign tourists and highlight the region’s natural beauty.
Faisal Sadiq, Director General of Tourism in the Soran Independent Administration, emphasized the festival’s role in boosting tourism. “Winter tourism is a new initiative within the tourism board, contributing to the overall development of the Kurdistan Region’s tourism sector. In the past, these attractions lacked services, but with growing interest, tourism projects have been developed, and we’ve been improving the infrastructure for two years,” he stated.
Adding to the excitement, two international Skiing teams will remain in the area for two months. They will provide training for visitors eager to learn the sport and offer a range of winter activities.
As the festival unfolds, it promises not only exhilarating sporting events but also a significant boost to the region’s tourism industry, reinforcing the Kurdistan Region’s status as an emerging winter sports hub.