Tourism Boom in Akre Drives Youth Employment and Local Prosperity
According to figures from Akre’s Directorate of Tourism, over 3,000 jobs—most of them for young people—have been generated this year alone through tourism-related activities.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – As tourist arrivals to the picturesque district of Akre continue to rise, the region is witnessing a tangible transformation in its local economy, with tourism emerging as a pivotal force in combating youth unemployment and fostering small business growth.
With increased footfall in the mountainous resort town, young entrepreneurs are finding renewed hope. "I’ve been running this ice cream stand here for nearly seven years," said Salar Aziz, a vendor at the Bajil tourist resort. "Now, many young people are engaged in selling fruits and nuts. This influx of tourism has created job opportunities and helped curb unemployment in our area."
Similarly, Nadheer Mahdawi, who sells local produce, emphasized how tourism has evolved from a seasonal trend into a dependable source of income. "Six or seven years ago, barely ten people were working in this area," he told Kurdistan 24. "Today, tourism supports between 100 and 150 workers."
Thousands of Jobs Created
According to figures from Akre’s Directorate of Tourism, over 3,000 jobs—most of them for young people—have been generated this year alone through tourism-related activities. The directorate has ambitious plans to increase this number further by launching large-scale investment projects in the hospitality and leisure sectors.
"We aim to build hotels, motels, amusement parks, and a cable car system," said Pishtwan Namq, a tourism official in Akre. "If implemented, tourists could stay for several days instead of just a few hours. These projects could increase employment in the tourism sector to between 10,000 and 15,000 people."
Unmet Demand for Infrastructure
Currently, Akre welcomes between 2,000 and 3,000 tourists daily. However, due to the lack of accommodation facilities, parks, and recreational areas, visitors are often limited to short stays. Local officials stress that addressing these infrastructural gaps is critical to extending tourist visits and creating sustained employment.
Estimates suggest that each new resort or tourist site in Akre can generate between 50 and 75 jobs, underscoring the sector’s potential as a cornerstone of economic revitalization in the region.
Kurdistan24 corresponded Ari Hussin contributed to this article.
