Kurdistan mountain trail wins international tourism award

Barzi Bakir, the Executive Director of the Kurdistan Trails Organization (KTO), spoke with The New Region about the winning trail being named "Best Wider World Tourism Project" by the British Guild of Travel Writers, saying, "This is more than an award—it’s an invitation to rediscover Kurdistan."

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KRG says around 8 million tourists visit Kurdistan Region yearly

“In the tourism sector, the ninth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government has taken important steps and created a strong infrastructure for it,” the KRG said in a statement on World Tourism Day.

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Tourism a 'real alternative' to Iraq's oil sector dependence: Economist

Iraqi economist Manar al-Obaidi said the country's tourism sector is growing fast and could replace oil as the country’s main source of income, calling for more focus on building tourism infrastructure to diversify Iraq's revenue sources.

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Visit Kurdistan: Major tourism platform launched in Erbil

Visit Kurdistan aims to establish a brand and market position for the Kurdistan Region, enable the tourism sector, and encourage investment in the Region's tourism

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Halabja receives over 100,000 tourists on Eid

The number of tourists visiting the Kurdistan Region over the Eid al-Adha period has exceeded the projected figure of 300,000.

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Around 90,000 visited Erbil during Eid al-Adha

The Kurdistan Region’s beautiful nature and moderate temperatures during the summertime and cozy, snow-capped wintery retreats during the colder seasons have become major attractions for tourists from all over Iraq and further afield.

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Baghdad's dry tourism: Alcohol ban raises questions  

As Baghdad promotes itself as the Arab Tourism Capital, a strict alcohol ban is raising questions about constitutional rights and cultural traditions.

Ahmed Saadawi

Opinion

PM Barzani opens largest tourism exhibition across Iraq in Erbil

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani opened the third Middle East Tourism Exhibition (METEX) in Erbil, consisting of around 120 tourism companies from over 20 countries, highlighting Kurdistan's rich history as a strong pull factor for tourists.

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Iraq replaces visas with electronic system, raising concerns over tourism impact

The Iraqi government has eliminated paper visas and introduced an electronic visa system, a decision that has sparked widespread debate. Officials claim the move will streamline entry procedures and prevent violations, but critics fear it may complicate travel, deter tourists, and isolate Iraq from global visitors.

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