Politics

Turkish bombings, ongoing PKK conflict impact tourist numbers at some resorts in Duhok

"Tourism to the Sherana area and our region was once thriving, particularly with Iraqi families. However, the Turkish army's bombings and ongoing conflict with the PKK have led to a drop in tourist numbers," Hariki explained.

Kurdistan 24 Digital Media 2024/07/21 14:34

Intrepid hikers are rewarded with ice cold mountain waters at Gali Sherana, Duhok province. (Photo: Joanne Stocker-Kelly)

Kurdistan Turkish Incursions Bombings PKK Conflict Tourism in Kurdistan Avasheen Resort Gali Sherana resort Duhok

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The head of the Avasheen Tourist Resort has reported a significant decline in tourist numbers due to recent Turkish military bombings in the Kurdistan Region.

On Sunday, July 21, 2024, Harman Hariki, supervisor of the Avasheen Tourist Resort, told Kurdistan24 that the resort, which typically attracts many Iraqi families, has seen a marked reduction in visitors.

He noted that currently, only Arab tourists are visiting, as Kurdish visitors are deterred by the threat of ongoing conflict.

Hariki estimated an 80% decrease in overall tourist numbers, attributing this decline to both the threat of bombings and the Ashura period. "Travel to the Gali Sherana resort continues, but the combined impact of the security threat and Ashura has led to a substantial reduction in visitors," he added.

He further detailed that the number of Kurdish tourists to Gali Sherana has dropped by 80%, while tourists from southern and central Iraq have decreased by 50%.