Influx expected for Muslim holiday
Duhok’s tourism sector prepares for Eid Al-Adha
DUHOK – Hotels and tourist spots in Duhok are bracing for an influx of about 5,000 visitors each day during the upcoming Eid holiday.
Khayri Ali Uso, director of Tourism in Duhok, informed 964media that several committees have been organized to provide a warm welcome to tourists. “Committees are already in place at checkpoints to assist and direct visitors. We have also conducted inspections and preparations of all hotels and motels for the holiday season,” he said.
The Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha holidays traditionally generate significant tourist activity in the Kurdistan Region. “This year, for Eid Al-Adha, we anticipate even more visitors than we had in April during Eid Al-Fitr, with daily arrivals in Duhok’s tourist areas nearing 5,000,” Ali added.
Duhok’s accommodations, which can host up to 15,000 individuals, are currently at ‘full capacity’ with no available rooms until the commencement of Eid, according to the tourism director. Although an online search by 964media shows there are rooms available to book online for multiple hotels in the city of Duhok.
The General Board of Tourism of the Kurdistan Region expects the holiday to attract over 300,000 visitors.
Ibrahim Abdulmajid, a spokesperson for the board, told 964media, “We have streamlined checkpoint procedures, allowing tourists to enter cities within five minutes.”
He also mentioned that tourists would be provided with maps, guides, and brochures detailing the various locales in the region. Additionally, a hotline will be available for tourists to address any concerns.
During the previous Eid Al-Fitr from April 8 to 13, 2024, the region experienced a significant tourist influx, particularly from southern and central Iraq. “Out of these 200,000 visitors, 70,000 toured Erbil, 61,000 visited Sulaymaniyah, and 30,000 explored Dohuk, with the remainder traveling to other areas within Kurdistan,” Abdulmajid reported.
From January 1 to April 13, 2024, tourist sites in the region attracted roughly 1.7 million visitors.