Kurdistan Region Wins Two Global Tourism Awards in Brussels
The Kurdistan Region won two international awards in Brussels: Best Digital Tourism Experience 2026 and Best Heritage Destination 2026, represented by Visit Kurdistan.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The Kurdistan Region has won two international tourism awards at a ceremony in the Belgian capital, Brussels, with the Visit Kurdistan institution representing the Region, according to a post published on its official Facebook page on Tuesday.
The honors are Best Digital Tourism Experience 2026 and Best Heritage Destination 2026. The ceremony was held at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, with international companies and state delegations taking part.
The digital experience award recognizes the Region’s efforts in developing technology, modern hospitality services, and international tourism marketing, the post said.
Members of the delegation said that winning the awards in a globally competitive environment is a source of national pride for the people and the tourism sector of Kurdistan.
They said the result also shows that the Region’s steps in the tourism sector are in line with international standards, which they said will draw greater attention from tourists and global markets to the Region.
About Visit Kurdistan
Visit Kurdistan is a platform launched in June 2025 with the support of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.
It serves as a promotional and marketing arm for the Region’s tourism sector, working in partnership with official bodies, and is described as a guide for travelers, history enthusiasts, and adventurers interested in the Region’s heritage, landscapes, and culture.
The awards program
The World Travel Awards says the program was established in 1993 to recognize excellence across the global travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. It says the awards work with destinations, tourism authorities, airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, tour operators, and travel organizations. Each year, regional gala ceremonies across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, North America, Oceania, and South America lead to a Grand Final, where regional winners compete for the highest honors.
Delegation members said the Brussels result will draw greater attention from tourists and global markets to the Kurdistan Region.