'Paradise on earth'
Youth from southern Iraq explore Halabja to boot domestic tourism
HALABJA – Youth from southern Iraq camped in the mountains of Sazan village in Halabja, embarking on an adventure to support domestic tourism. Their goal was to highlight local tourist attractions and encourage Iraqis to travel within the country rather than to neighboring states.
Many Iraqis often travel to neighboring countries like Turkey for vacation, with a significant number seeking the popular tourist destinations and favorable climates there. In 2023, around one million Iraqis visited Turkey, making it one of the top destinations for Iraqi tourists.
Akram Ibrahim, a traveler, spoke to 964media about the climate difference between Kurdistan and the southern Iraqi governorates, stating, “The weather in the south has become unbearably hot. In Sazan, the climate is pleasant and the scenery is breathtaking.”
“We chose Kurdistan to promote domestic tourism and to show people that they don’t need to travel abroad for leisure,” he added.
Tiba Al-Qaisi, another traveler, expressed her admiration for the region, saying, “This is my first visit to Iraq since I left for the United States in 2016. I chose to visit Kurdistan because it is like paradise on earth and one of the most beautiful places in Iraq.”
“I’ve explored many tourist sites recently, and our youth are making significant efforts to boost tourism in Iraq. Camping here is ideal as you are surrounded by nature, which brings joy,” Al-Qaisi added.
Falak Salman, the director of Cha Camp, the organization behind the trip, explained that he founded it after an exceptional camping experience in Beirut.
“Subsequently, I established my own project, allowing young people to experience camping without leaving Iraq, offering high-quality services. We provide professional camping equipment, external and internal transportation, meals, local guide services, and a professional photographer. All this is available for a nominal fee of no more than $160 per person,” he said.
Domestic tourism in Iraq is providing a significant boost to the local economy, supporting local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transportation services. This not only supports small businesses but also creates jobs and stimulates regional development.
The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Tourism Board reported 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, spending by foreign tourists is expected to be higher, further contributing to the region’s economic activity.
The Kurdistan Region welcomed five million visitors during the first half of 2023.
Amal Jalal, President of the Kurdistan Region’s Tourism Board, told 964media, “Most of the tourists visiting the Kurdistan Region are from central and southern Iraq.”
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