Akre welcomes over a quarter million tourists in 2023

DUHOK, August 29 — Since the beginning of 2023, around a quarter of a million tourists have visited Akre district in eastern Dohuk, attracted by its enchanting landscapes and historic buildings perched on hillsides, some of which date back centuries. The Directorate of Tourism highlights that the city’s weak point lies in the insufficient number of hotels to accommodate these growing numbers.

Vehil Fahmi, a representative from Akre’s tourism board, told 964: “From the start of this year until August, more than 245,000 tourists have visited the Akre district and its tourist attractions, signifying a 96% increase compared to the previous year, which saw 125,000 tourists during the same six-month period.”

“Akre received over 90,000 tourists in July of this year alone, excluding the Nowruz holiday period, which registered approximately 115,000 visitors,” he added. “Despite the significant influx of tourists, Akre has not been able to fully capitalize on this opportunity due to the lack of hotels capable of accommodating such large numbers. As a result, visitors are often forced to stay in Erbil and Duhok.”

“Efforts are underway to address these challenges by constructing a range of hotels and large parks through private sector partnerships and investors. This would enable tourists to extend their stays and enjoy a more comprehensive experience.”