A view of some hotels in Sulaymaniyah. Photo: 964media
Other factors include debt, contract negotiations
Dozens of hotels in Sulaymaniyah closed due to licensing issues
Sulaymaniyah — More than 50 budget hotels in Sulaymaniyah were closed last year, many of which due to license renewals not being processed.
These hotels, which focus on offering economical accommodation options, have seen an increasing number of closures since 2023, according to Mahmoud Tofiq, president of the Restaurants and Hotels Association. Speaking to 964media, Tofiq outlined that the main reasons for these shutdowns include unsuccessful negotiations for contract renewals with property owners and accumulated electricity debts. One particular hotel was reported to have left an electricity bill of 50 million Iraqi dinars ($32,800) for the property owner to settle.
Tofiq clarified that this trend of closures has only affected budget hotels, not impacting the tourist hotel sector. Sulaymaniyah boasts a total of 385 establishments, encompassing both higher end and budget hotels.