KRG Launches ‘Rupesand’ Tourism Project in Soran to Boost Green Spaces and Visitor Facilities
Recognizing the potential of the Kurdistan Region’s natural landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant cultural heritage, the KRG has invested in both urban and rural tourism infrastructure to attract domestic and international visitors.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The General Director of Soran Municipality, Delovan Omar, announced on Monday the launch of the ‘Rupesand’ tourism project within the Soran administrative area, which stretches along the Jundiyan River and encompasses 90 percent green space.
Speaking to Kurdistan24, Omar explained that the ‘Rupesand’ complex is a comprehensive tourism initiative along the Soran–Jundiyan route, comprising 35 motel units with river views, 10 sales kiosks, and nine resting pavilions. “Visiting the site is currently free for tourists, although new regulations on access may be introduced in the future,” he added.
Omar highlighted the facilities included in the project, emphasizing its design to serve both recreation and leisure: restaurants, supermarkets, a sports center, a three-story observation tower, a children’s playground, landscaped gardens and green zones, water treatment units, service areas, and modern parking lots. He further noted that 90 percent of the project is dedicated to green space, adhering to high environmental protection standards.
KRG Tourism Development Program: Promoting Culture, Economy, and Sustainability
The ‘Rupesand’ project is part of the broader Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) strategy to develop the tourism sector as a key pillar for diversifying the region’s economy beyond oil revenues. Recognizing the potential of the Kurdistan Region’s natural landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant cultural heritage, the KRG has invested in both urban and rural tourism infrastructure to attract domestic and international visitors.
KRG initiatives focus on several interrelated goals. Firstly, they aim to promote Kurdish culture and heritage through the preservation of historical landmarks, traditional villages, and local festivals. Visitors are increasingly offered experiences that highlight Kurdish music, dance, and handicrafts, providing a bridge between cultural preservation and economic opportunity.
Secondly, the program supports local artisans and producers, integrating markets for handmade crafts, textiles, and regional food products into tourism sites. This not only enhances the authenticity of the visitor experience but also provides sustainable income streams for communities, fostering entrepreneurship and small business development.
Additionally, the KRG has placed emphasis on environmentally sustainable development. Many tourism projects, including Rupesand, allocate a high proportion of space to greenery and natural preservation, while also incorporating modern waste management and water conservation systems. Eco-tourism is increasingly promoted to protect the region’s natural assets while accommodating growing tourist demand.
Through these measures, the KRG seeks to position tourism as a cornerstone of non-oil revenue generation, reducing the region’s economic dependence on hydrocarbons. By combining investment in infrastructure, cultural promotion, and environmental protection, the government hopes to create a vibrant, year-round tourism industry that can contribute to employment, local business growth, and international recognition of the Kurdistan Region as a cultural and recreational destination.
