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With PM Barzani’s endorsement, the non-governmental organization aims to promote the region’s natural beauty and tourism infrastructure.
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday will officially launch the “Visit Kurdistan” initiative, a tourism-focused foundation aimed at transforming the autonomous region into a global travel destination, with a target of hosting over 20 million tourists by 2035.
The “Visit Kurdistan” foundation is a non-governmental organization established more than a year ago, working under the umbrella of the tourism sector. According to the campaign’s spokesperson, Halmet Kestaei, the foundation’s core mission is to showcase Kurdistan’s natural beauty and promote international tourism across its diverse landscapes.
“Our goal is to advance the tourism sector and attract international tourists to the Kurdistan Region,” Kestaei told Kurdistan24. “We aim to bring more than 20 million tourists to the Region by 2035. The initiative will also create over 500 job opportunities.”
Kestaei highlighted the organization’s broader vision, which includes developing essential tourism infrastructure, providing digital services for booking hotels, accommodations, and travel tickets through an integrated online platform designed for international visitors.
One of the flagship projects under the “Visit Kurdistan” initiative is a 10-kilometer-long cable car project in the town of Soran, expected to be completed by 2027. The project will feature 10 stations and include hotels, cafés, and other recreational facilities.
The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has long been viewed as a relatively safe and picturesque destination in the Middle East, boasting mountainous landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural heritage.
The launch of the “Visit Kurdistan” initiative comes at a time when the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) seeks to diversify its economy and reduce dependency on oil revenues by investing in alternative sectors like tourism, agriculture, and the manufacturing industry. The involvement of Prime Minister Barzani underscores the government’s commitment to developing tourism as a strategic economic pillar.