The Kurdistan Region’s tourism sector has created an estimated 20,000 jobs, with over 80 percent filled by locals, reflecting the KRG’s strategic vision under Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. Ibrahim Abdulmajid, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Tourism Board, credited this growth to targeted investment and long-term planning, which has significantly increased both domestic and international visitors.
Over the past five years, the KRG has implemented 80 major tourism projects worth $7.5 billion, alongside 700 road and infrastructure projects to improve accessibility. Today, the region hosts 3,100 tourist sites, 482 hotels, nearly 1,000 restaurants, and 44 large tourist complexes, giving it the capacity to accommodate 100,000 visitors at a time.
Tourism revenue directly benefits local businesses and generates government income. Domestic tourists spend $250–$350 per visit, while international visitors contribute around $2,000 each, fueling the regional economy and supporting artisans, restaurants, and transport providers.
Flagship projects include Zakho’s Delal Corniche, Duhok Dam’s upcoming corniche development, Akre’s cultural tourism initiatives, and Sulaimani’s Sharbazher Geopark, which aims for UNESCO recognition. To safeguard historical sites, the KRG has created a specialized Tourism Police force, ensuring heritage preservation and visitor safety.
With over six million tourists in 2022 and a goal of 20 million by 2030, Kurdistan’s tourism sector is now a cornerstone of economic diversification, combining cultural preservation, modern infrastructure, and job creation, demonstrating the region’s stability, attractiveness, and strategic vision.