Nearly double last year's visitor count
Sulaymaniyah sees post-Ramadan surge in Eid tourism
SULAYMANIYAH — Eid celebrations have drawn a significant boost in tourism in Sulaymaniyah, with approximately 75,000 visitors flocking to the city over a four-day period, according to Aram Shwani, spokesperson for the governorate’s General Directorate of Tourism.
The figure marks a nearly 90% increase compared to the 40,000 tourists who visited during the same timeframe last year.
The surge is attributed to the unique calendar alignment in 2024, where Ramadan coincided with Newroz celebrations which typically see high tourist arrivals. As Ramadan observances prioritize fasting and prayer, tourist activity typically dips during this period.
Sulaymaniyah now appears to be benefiting from post-Ramadan festivities, as residents and visitors alike capitalize on the Eid holiday to gather and celebrate.
The majority of tourists hail from southern and central Iraq, alongside visitors from other Kurdistan Region cities and while the city’s official hotel capacity stands at 15,000, Shwani noted that expanded hotel offerings and private accommodations with relatives are likely contributing to handling the influx.
The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Tourism Board confirmed the sector’s positive trend, reporting over 1.5 million visitors to the region in the first quarter of 2024. Domestic tourists from within Iraq comprised roughly 75% of this figure, with the remaining 25% encompassing international visitors from neighboring countries, the Gulf region, Asia, and Europe.
While the tourism agency estimates domestic visitors spend between $250 and $300 during their stay, expenditures by foreign tourists are expected to be higher, further contributing to the region’s economic activity.
Sulaymaniyah tourism sees dip in March visitors due to Ramadan
