In an announcement that signals a remarkable surge in tourism, Amal Jalal, the head of the Tourism Board in the Kurdistan Region, revealed on Monday that the region had welcomed an astounding seven million tourists over the past year. This figure marks a substantial increase from the previous year's record of 6 million visitors.

Jalal shared the impressive statistics with reporters, stating, "The number of tourists who visited the Kurdistan Region in 2021 was 4 million, and in 2022, it reached 6 million. However, in 2023, the number of tourists soared to 7 million and 279 thousand. Additionally, 2.5 million Kurdish citizens engaged in travel and tourism within the region.”

Underlining the substantial growth in tourism-related investments, Jalal attributed the success to the initiatives undertaken since the formation of the Ninth Cabinet. Over the past four years, the tourism sector has attracted an overall investment of $7.387 billion, emerging as the leading contributor to regional revenues.

She added, "The projects that received approval and were initiated by ministerial orders in 2023 amounted to 27 projects, with a total value exceeding $1.5 billion. Furthermore, 66 projects were leased, generating over 100,000 job opportunities across our various tourist destinations.”

The Kurdistan Region, known for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and historical sites, continues to solidify its position as an increasingly popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. The surge in investments and the implementation of new projects reflect the commitment of the region to further enhance its tourism offerings.

The tourism boom not only contributes to the region's economic growth but also underscores the global appeal of Kurdistan's unique attractions. With ongoing efforts to develop and promote its tourism sector, the Kurdistan Region is poised to become an even more significant player in the global travel landscape.