Tourism facilities in Soran near full capacity ahead of New Year celebrations

ERBIL — With only a few days remaining until New Year’s Eve, the majority of hotels, motels, and tourist accommodations in the Soran independent administration are already fully booked.

Despite the days leading up to the celebrations, visitors have made their reservations well in advance, and Soran’s tourism sector is fully prepared to welcome a large influx of tourists.

Faisal Sadiq, Director of Soran Tourism, told 964media “Most of the available accommodation designated for New Year visitors is already booked, and there’s no space left.”

“We anticipate welcoming around 50,000 tourists for New Year’s Eve celebrations, with approximately 6,000 visitors crossing into our region daily,” he added.

Soran’s tourism authorities emphasized that municipal services, health teams, and traffic police are on high alert to ensure a smooth experience for incoming tourists. However, concerns remain about potential challenges posed by snowfall and mountainous terrain, as many visitors are expected to venture into higher altitudes.

Soran is a year-round tourist destination renowned for its stunning landscapes and winter charm. Key attractions include Korek Mountain Resort, offering skiing and cozy cafes amid temperatures dropping to -2°C; Halgurd Mountain, Iraq’s highest peak, ideal for adventurous winter trekking and Rawanduz Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of Kurdistan,” offering breathtaking snow-covered views. These destinations make Soran a favorite for both local and international visitors during winter.