WATCH: Locals, Iraqis visit Kurdistan tourist destinations to cool off in summer

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The scorching summer temperature in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq has encouraged people to visit tourist destinations where they spend time with their families.

The Kurdistan Region’s abundance of beautiful nature and water resources have pushed many local and foreign tourists to visit especially in the middle of summer as temperatures often reach 50 Celsius mid-day.

“The Kurdistan [Region] has beautiful nature. Almost every part of Kurdistan is a tourist destination due to its nature,” a Kurdish woman, who visited Jundiyan resort in Soran city, told Kurdistan 24.

“It is very hot, and work makes you feel even more tired and exhausted. So, such beautiful nature and waterfalls help you relax,” another local tourist said.

During the summer, many tourists from central and southern provinces of Iraq visit the Kurdistan Region through tourist companies.

Insecurity and hot temperatures encourage people from different provinces of Iraq to visit the Region.

“The nature and quality of tourist destinations here are astonishing,”  said an Arab lady from Baghdad who spent a week in Dohuk with her family. 

“Most of all, the Kurdistan Region has tight security where people don’t have to worry about danger, unlike in Baghdad,” she added.

As the Kurdistan Region’s economy is recovering, its tourism sector is also booming.

Over 90 percent of Kurdistan’s revenue relies solely on oil exports.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has planned to diversify its economy by improving the private, agricultural, and tourism sectors.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany

(Tayfur Mohammed and Masoud Mohammed contributed to this report)