The picturesque town of Zakho is hosting a tourism conference today with the aim of promoting and expanding the burgeoning tourism industry in the Kurdistan Region. The event has attracted representatives from around 70 tourism companies, predominantly those facilitating travel for tourists from southern and central Iraqi provinces to the Kurdistan Region.

Chya Ameen, the head of the tourism department in Zakho, confirmed the participation of representatives from approximately 70 tourism companies at the conference. These companies specialize in transporting tourists from southern and central Iraqi provinces to the scenic Kurdistan Region.

Last week, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani inaugurated the Dalal Corniche Tourism in Zakho, a sprawling development covering 75,000 square meters. This project stretches along a picturesque six-kilometer route adjacent to the Khabur river.

Zakho boasts some of the Kurdistan Region's most beloved tourist attractions, including the Khabur River and the Dalal Bridge. These destinations consistently draw a significant number of visitors each year.

The current administration of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has set its sights on harnessing the natural beauty of the region to bolster the tourism sector. This endeavor aligns with the government's broader goals of diversifying revenue sources and strengthening the regional economy.

According to the Kurdistan Region's Tourism Board, a substantial majority of visitors, approximately 85 percent, hail from southern and central Iraqi provinces. The remaining 15 percent comprises foreign tourists.

The Zakho tourism conference underscores the Kurdistan Region's commitment to developing its tourism industry. By leveraging its natural beauty and cultural attractions, the region aims to attract more visitors, both domestic and international, further enhancing its economic landscape.