Tourism

PM Barzani at METEX 2025: Tourism Key to Kurdistan's Economic Diversification and Global Recognition

"We are striving to make tourism a sustainable source of income for the Kurdistan Region," Barzani stated, emphasizing the sector's potential to contribute to the region's economic resilience.

KRG PM Masrour Barzani. (Graphics: Kurdistan24)
KRG PM Masrour Barzani. (Graphics: Kurdistan24)
Kurdistan Third Middle East Tourism Expo (MITEX 2025) MITEX 2025 Prime Minister Masrour Barzani

By Dler Mohammed

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — In a significant address at the third Middle East Tourism Exhibition (METEX 2025) in Erbil, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani underscored the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) commitment to transforming the tourism sector into a cornerstone of the region's economic diversification.

Prime Minister Barzani underlined that developing tourism is a core pillar of his government’s agenda for diversifying the Kurdistan Region’s economy and supporting the private sector. "We are striving to make tourism a sustainable source of income for the Kurdistan Region," Barzani stated, emphasizing the sector's potential to contribute to the region's economic resilience.

“Our government is working diligently to facilitate investment and growth in this sector so it can become a sustainable source of revenue for the Kurdistan Region,” Barzani stated. “Tourism is also a vital tool for introducing Kurdistan to the world—its people, its rich culture, and its beautiful and diverse geography.”

The METEX 2025 exhibition, held in Erbil, attracted a large number of local and international tourism companies and representatives. Barzani welcomed diplomats, foreign company representatives, and local stakeholders, praising their participation and emphasizing the collaborative role between the public and private sectors.

He described the Kurdistan Region as a land rich in history, culture, religious and ethnic diversity, and natural beauty. “We must work to build better services to attract both local and international tourists, so they can benefit from and contribute to this vital sector,” he added.

Barzani also emphasized the need to showcase Kurdistan’s historic and cultural landmarks, including the ancient Erbil Citadel, widely recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world. “Every region in Kurdistan has its own unique geographical and historical features, and we must highlight and develop these distinct strengths,” he said.

The Prime Minister reiterated that, alongside encouraging Kurdish citizens to travel abroad, the government is committed to attracting foreign visitors and promoting Kurdistan’s national identity globally.

“We have overcome many challenges and tragedies, but Kurdistan still has much to offer,” he said. “By investing in tourism, we are not only building our economy but also creating bridges between our people and the world.”

The METEX 2025 exhibition is seen as a strategic platform to strengthen Kurdistan’s position as a regional tourism destination and enhance its visibility on the international stage.

The exhibition not only highlights the Kurdistan Region’s growing appeal as a tourist destination but also reflects the government’s broader vision to position tourism as a pillar of sustainable economic growth and cultural exchange.

Earlier in the day, PM Barzani inaugurated the MITEX 2025 in Erbil, which brought together over 120 tourism companies and institutions from 20 countries. Held under the banner of fostering regional cooperation and attracting international tourism, MITEX 2025 will run through Thursday, May 8, at the Erbil International Fairground. The event features key players from across the tourism and hospitality sectors, highlighting Kurdistan’s ambition to become a central hub for travelers exploring the Middle East.

 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Dler Mohammed ,
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