A major event was held in Erbil to introduce the Zagros Mountain Trail, aiming to attract international tourists and boost local job opportunities across different regions.
The ceremony took place in the presence of Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw, Tourism Board Head Amal Jalal, Ministry of Culture representative Arian Salahaddin, and French Consul General Yann Braem. Many organization representatives and university professors also attended the event.
Ibrahim Abdulmajid, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Tourism Board, said the Zagros Mountain Trail was first announced in 2023 by the “Kurdistan Trails Organization.” He noted that this year’s launch marks a new phase for tourism development in the Kurdistan Region.
According to Abdulmajid, the trail draws growing numbers of foreign tourists every year. It helps visitors discover Kurdistan’s culture, history, hospitality, and scenic beauty. He added that the trail places Kurdistan on the global hiking map alongside countries like Turkey.
Officials plan to expand the route to link more tourist destinations across the region. The project will also create many jobs, as tourists will stay overnight in villages and use local guesthouses. Local products and handicrafts will also find new markets through this trail.
The Zagros Mountain Trail spans 215 kilometers, starting from Shush village in Akre and reaching Mount Halgurd. It passes through 36 villages and five towns, including Akre, Dinarta, Soran, Rawanduz, and Choman — making it the longest trail in Kurdistan and Iraq.