Kurdistan Defies Economic Pressure with Tourism Boom
Thousands of visitors are flocking to Kurdistan’s scenic spots like Zalm Waterfall and Akre’s valleys, celebrating post-exam relief and Eid spirit despite Baghdad’s economic pressure. With over 300,000 tourists recorded in Halabja alone, nature becomes a source of resilience and joy.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a powerful display and optimism, thousands of citizens from across the Kurdistan Region and Iraq have flocked to the scenic tourist destinations of Hawraman and Akre following the conclusion of final exams, defying ongoing economic pressures imposed by Baghdad.
On Friday, large numbers of tourists from both the southern and central region of Iraq and various provinces of Kurdistan converged on Zalm Waterfall in the Hawraman region.
Many visitors expressed admiration for the site’s natural beauty and have chosen to remain in the area until Eid al-Adha holiday.
One tourist at Zalm Waterfall remarked, “If you are sick and come here, you will get well. The weather is so clean and pure.”
Another visitor from Chamchamal stated, “Zalm Waterfall is so beautiful; there are few places as beautiful as this in Chamchamal. I come here every year.”
According to tourism statistics from Halabja province, over 300,000 tourists have visited 36 recognized tourist locations along the borders of Halabja so far this year.
In Akre, the popular destination of Gali Sipa has also seen a major influx of visitors. Pshtiwan Namiq from the Akre Tourism Directorate told Kurdistan24, “We predict that many tourists from southern central Iraq, as well as from the Kurdistan Region, will visit Akre’s tourist areas during the holy days of Eid al-Adha.”
He emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hospitality. “The most important thing for us is the cleanliness of the tourist areas, so we clean the tourist areas more than five time on daily basis,” Namiq said.
“However, Namiq also pointed out logistical challenges, especially concerning traffic. “The tourists’ main problem is traffic violations; many cars stop on main streets and block the roads,” he noted.
Akre boasts several popular tourist spots that continue to attract visitors. Locations like Akre’s Sipa, Bjil Sipa, Gali Zanta (Zanta Valley), Pirs, and Grbish are among the most popular tourist spots in the area.
Despite the economic strain from Baghdad, the people of Kurdistan have responded not with despair, but with an embrace of nature, heritage, and community spirit, turning the mountains, valleys, and waterfalls of the region into vivid testament of joy and endurance,
