KRI's tourism soars: 2024 projected to reach 8 million visitors
Shafaq News/ On Sunday, IbrahimAbdul-Majid, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Region (KRI)'s Tourism Board,revealed an increase in the number of tourists coming to the Region, predictingthat the total could exceed 2023’s figure of 7.2 million visitors.
Kurdistan Tourism Set for Growth in2024
Abdul-Majid stated, “Improvements intourism infrastructure and support from tourism offices and attractions havecontributed to 2024’s increase in tourist numbers.”
According to the Tourism Board's data,the number of tourists in 2024 is expected to be higher than last year, withcurrent efforts focused on creating a more suitable environment for touristsrather than just estimating visitor numbers.
In this context, the Tourism Board'sspokesman noted that the board has intensified its efforts in 2024 to promotethe tourism sector both locally and internationally, participating in “variousinternational tourism fairs, workshops, and conferences related to enhancingtourism.”
Abdul-Majid further confirmed thatthe board has an eight-year long-term plan, stating it “will continue toorganize tourism activities while also creating job opportunities for 150 youngmen and women in 2024.”
Kurdistan: A Rising Star in GlobalTourism
The KRI is experiencing notablegrowth in the tourism sector, becoming one of the main destinations for bothdomestic and international tourism, thanks to its diverse geography and naturalbeauty, as well as its unique historical and cultural landmarks. The stunningmountains, valleys, and natural resorts, along with cities that blend modernityand history, make Kurdistan an attractive year-round tourist destination.
In recent years, the Regional Governmenthas focused heavily on developing tourism infrastructure and improving servicesprovided to tourists, contributing to an increasing number of visitors.
Additionally, the Tourism Board hasparticipated in numerous international exhibitions and conferences to promotethe Region globally, enhancing the chances of attracting foreign tourists.
Alongside tourism growth, the sectorcontributes to creating new job opportunities, providing many positions foryoung men and women in hospitality and tourism services, making tourism “animportant economic pillar for the Region.”
Kurdistan's Tourism Sector Hits $1.3Billion
A few days ago, CNBC Arabia reportedon the tourism sector in the KRI and its financial returns, which exceeded $1.3billion during the recently concluded season.
The network noted that “over $1.3billion was generated for the tourism sector in the Region, marking aprofitable season with nearly 10% growth compared to 2023.” The mildtemperatures boosted the influx of millions of tourists from central andsouthern Iraq, whether through individual trips or organized tours by travelcompanies.
It also highlighted that the Region'sstrategy to diversify income sources has focused on tourism as one of the maindrivers of economic growth, “with the sector accounting for 42% of the totalinvestments, which amount to $75 billion, supported by local and foreignpartners in more than 180 modern tourism projects.”
