In a remarkable surge for the Kurdistan Region's tourism industry, over 500,000 local and international tourists have flocked to the capital city of Erbil in the past five months, according to Dler Mohammad, the general director of Erbil's tourism authority.

Speaking to Kurdistan 24, Mohammad revealed that the visitors comprised not only neighboring countries but also various provinces within Iraq. As the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha approaches, which coincides with a public holiday across the country, thousands more tourists are expected to explore the scenic Kurdish provinces.

With its reputation for relative security and stability, the Kurdistan Region has become a popular destination for domestic Iraqi tourists, as well as visitors from Iran and neighboring nations, since 2003. The success of the Kurdish tourism sector has been attributed to these factors by officials. Erbil, the capital, boasts an impressive selection of over a hundred four-and-five-star hotels, catering to the growing influx of travelers.

The Kurdistan Region's tourism authority recently announced that a total of over six million tourists visited the region in 2022. The region's mountain resorts, coupled with its refreshing temperatures compared to the scorching heat in southern Iraq, attract thousands of domestic tourists seeking respite from the summer weather.

Recognizing the potential of tourism as an alternative revenue source to diversify their reliance on hydrocarbon revenues, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has proposed an ambitious plan. This eight-year-long strategy aims to attract 20 million tourists annually, reflecting the government's commitment to further boosting the tourism sector.

To facilitate investment and streamline tourist traffic, the KRG launched an electronic visa application system earlier this year. The implementation of this system seeks to encourage more visitors to explore the Kurdish region.

As the Eid al-Adha holiday approaches, preparations are underway in the Kurdistan Region to welcome an estimated 300,000 tourists during the four-day festivities.

Ibrahim Abdulmajeed, head of the media department at the region's tourism board, expressed their enthusiasm for the summer season, which is considered a "golden season" for tourism. The majority of these tourists are anticipated to visit Erbil province, primarily hailing from the southern and central provinces of Iraq. Efforts are being made to shift the focus beyond resorts and encourage visitors to explore religious and archaeological sites.

The Kurdistan Region's tourism sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, owing to its moderate climate and breathtaking natural beauty. Amal Jalal, the head of the tourism board, disclosed the government's vision to attract 20 million tourists annually by 2030, emphasizing the sector's potential for further expansion.

As the Kurdistan Region gears up to celebrate Eid al-Adha, its tourism industry anticipates a record number of visitors, cementing its status as a flourishing destination for both local and international tourists.