Summer Heat Drives Tourism Boom in Kurdistan Region
Kurdistan sees tourism boom as Iraqis flee summer heat. KRG reports rising visitor numbers despite droughts, with new projects enhancing appeal. Soran's master plan drives growth as region becomes top cool-weather destination.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Region continues to witness a surge in tourist arrivals, as soaring temperatures across Iraq push more visitors toward its cooler, scenic landscapes. According to the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Directorate of Tourism, the region is experiencing notable growth in its tourism sector, with several major projects underway and an increasing influx of domestic visitors.
On Wednesday, Ibrahim Abdulmajid, spokesperson for the KRG’s Tourism Directorate, told Kurdistan24 that despite ongoing droughts or water shortages in certain areas, the overall number of tourists has not been negatively affected. He emphasized that the Kurdistan Region offers a wide range of tourist sites and enjoys favorable weather conditions that make it a primary destination, especially as temperatures soar in central and southern Iraq.
“Even as heat levels rise, the number of tourists from southern and central parts of Iraq continues to increase,” Abdulmajid said. “Kurdistan remains the first choice for Iraqi tourists.”
Abdulmajid also pointed to the Master Tourism Plan for the Soran Autonomous Administration, noting that it has contributed significantly to increased visits to the area. He observed visible progress in tourism development, as additional projects in other regions are being actively implemented.
“The tourism sector in the Kurdistan Region has witnessed notable advancements,” he stated, “and a number of new projects are currently in the execution phase.”
Regarding statistics for this year's tourist arrivals, Abdulmajid explained that comprehensive data is still being compiled. He noted that the directorate is currently working on organizing detailed figures to record tourist arrivals, including demographics such as number, nationality, gender, and region of origin.
The summer school holidays, combined with the relatively moderate climate in the Kurdistan Region compared to the extreme heat in Iraq’s southern and central provinces, have played a significant role in increasing tourism flow.
Despite environmental challenges in some areas, the Kurdistan Region's tourism appeal remains resilient, offering visitors refuge from the summer heat and access to a diverse array of natural and cultural attractions.
