Amid surge in tourism
Kurdistan’s Tourism Board urges Iraq to crackdown on unauthorized travel agencies
ERBIL — Kurdistan’s Tourism Board has called on the Iraqi government to crack down on unauthorized travel agencies, alleging deceit in bringing tourists from Iraq’s southern and central provinces to the Kurdistan Region.
Ibrahim Abdulmajid, the spokesperson for the Tourism Board, conveyed concerns to 964 media, citing numerous complaints from Iraqi tourists regarding fraud.
“Tourists claim these companies deceive them by not providing the promised hotel accommodations or the agreed-upon meals,” Abdulmajid explained.
Additionally, tourists from central and southern Iraq reported being subjected to additional fees upon arrival in the Kurdistan Region.
Abdulmajid said that the Tourism Board has established multiple committees to welcome tourists at the borders, ensuring swift entry without undue delay. “Through coordination with security forces, we have ensured that no tourist is held at the border for more than five minutes, allowing for their smooth entry,” he assured.
This year, there was a noticeable decrease in travel attributed to the convergence of spring, Newroz, and Ramadan. Nonetheless, with Eid al-Fitr signaling the conclusion of Ramadan, the board foresees a surge in tourism to Kurdistan.
To address tourist grievances, Abdulmajid mentioned the distribution of tourism brochures and the imminent launch of a hotline, providing direct access for tourists facing issues to contact the authority. “Our committees are stationed in tourist areas to prevent any exploitation in terms of pricing against tourists,” Abdulmajid emphasized, underlining efforts to safeguard the interests and experiences of visitors to Kurdistan.
Last year, the Kurdistan Region hosted over 8 million tourists, predominantly from other parts of Iraq.
