Soran Independent Administration Prepares for Autumn Tourism with Ambitious Plans

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – As summer draws to a close, the Soran Independent Administration, which encompasses six districts, is gearing up to welcome the autumn tourism season. Known for its striking landscapes and diverse climate, the area has become a year-round destination, offering seasonal experiences that distinguish it from other parts of the Kurdistan Region.

Faisal Sadiq, Director General of Tourism in Soran, told Kurdistan24 that the region enjoys consistent tourism activity across all seasons. “We are gradually bidding farewell to the summer season, which was successful thanks to God. Our region became a major station for tourists escaping the heat, and we witnessed a large influx of visitors,” he said.

He emphasized that autumn tourism holds a unique appeal: “Autumn has its own character. It is loved by poets, singers, lovers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Each season in Soran carries its own beauty, and we have comprehensive plans to enhance tourism throughout the year.”

As part of these initiatives, Soran’s tourism administration is preparing a number of events dedicated to autumn. These include the annual Autumn Tourism Festival in Juman, and a photography competition highlighting the region’s fall landscapes, designed to attract both professional photographers and nature lovers.

So far this year, the area has welcomed between 800,000 to 900,000 tourists, figures that officials describe as encouraging. “Sixty to seventy percent of the visitors came from central and southern Iraq, while the rest were from within the Kurdistan Region, alongside groups of foreign tourists from the Gulf and Asia,” Sadiq explained.

The seasonal initiatives come on the heels of major tourism infrastructure projects in the Soran area. Delovan Omar, General Director of Soran Municipality, recently announced the launch of the ‘Rupesand’ tourism complex along the Jundiyan River. The site, which dedicates 90 percent of its space to greenery, features 35 riverside motel units, 10 kiosks, nine pavilions, restaurants, supermarkets, sports facilities, an observation tower, and children’s playgrounds.

“Currently, visiting the site is free for tourists, although new regulations may be introduced in the future,” Omar told Kurdistan24, highlighting that the complex was designed with both leisure and environmental sustainability in mind.

The Rupesand project is part of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) broader strategy to transform tourism into a cornerstone of economic diversification beyond oil revenues. This program integrates cultural preservation, economic opportunity, and environmental protection into a unified development agenda.

By preserving Kurdish cultural heritage—including historical landmarks, traditional festivals, music, and handicrafts—the KRG aims to create authentic experiences for visitors while supporting local artisans and producers. Markets for regional foods and handmade crafts are being woven into tourism hubs, strengthening small businesses and community entrepreneurship.

Environmental protection also lies at the heart of the program. Projects like Rupesand place heavy emphasis on green spaces, modern waste management, and water conservation, ensuring that growth in the tourism sector does not come at the expense of natural assets.

Director General Sadiq concluded by stressing that Soran is on its way to becoming a leading tourism hub in the Kurdistan Region. “With the direct support of the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, we are working to turn Soran into the capital of tourism in the region,” he said, pointing to ongoing investments in infrastructure, environmental protection, and year-round seasonal festivals.

As autumn approaches, officials hope that the region’s blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and new projects will consolidate Soran’s position as a premier destination for both domestic and international tourists.