Economic strain shifts Iraqi travel trends toward domestic tourism

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s travel sector is experiencing a shift this season, with more families choosing domestic trips over international vacations amid rising costs and financial pressure.

“Last year was better than this one,” said Ahmed Al-Rayhan, director of Al-Mateen Travel and Tourism Company. “Travel to the north of the country [Kurdistan Region] has affected outbound tourism.”

Data from the Kurdistan Region’s Tourism Board shows that 7,279,913 tourists visited the region in 2023, with 75% coming from other parts of Iraq and 25% from abroad. The board expects more than 300,000 tourists during Eid al-Adha alone.

Destinations like Duhok and Sulaymaniyah have gained popularity among Iraqi families who previously favored Turkey or Lebanon. Al-Rayhan cited cost as a primary factor.

“A family of five traveling to Turkey or Beirut would spend about five million Iraqi dinars [approximately $3,546], while the same trip inside Iraq would cost around one to one and a half million [$709–$1,064],” he said.

Interest in East Asia is also growing.

“Previously, families used to go to Turkey. Now East Asia has opened its doors to us,” Al-Rayhan said. “There are visa facilitations, and flight prices have become more affordable. Thailand is in very high demand, along with Malaysia.”

He noted a demographic shift in travelers.

“We’ve lost families. Previously, travelers were about 90% families and 10% youth. Now it’s 70% youth, 20% middle-aged, and 10% families. The same reason is northern Iraq trips,” he said.

During Eid, his company sent only 480 travelers to Istanbul and 265 to Beirut.

Tawfiq Yassin, head of domestic tours at Ta’er Al-Ababeel Travel, said transportation availability is another factor shaping plans.

“Previously, the tour program was easier because buses were more available,” he said. “Now it’s Hajj season, and buses go for Hajj. The bus owner says: ‘Going to Hajj is better than going north.’”

Families tend to favor Sulaymaniyah and Duhok, while youth prefer Erbil.

“They love Erbil for the car exhibitions,” Yassin said. “Duhok has the most intensive tourism program because of its many resorts. Sulaymaniyah comes second in demand, but the only issue we face there is that hotels are not always up to standard.”

Ta’er Al-Ababeel’s tour packages include visits to Ahmad Awa and Halabja.

“Iraqis have started loving Halabja now because of its stunning nature and geographic location,” Yassin said. “Our surprise for customers this season is the Sulaymaniyah and Halabja program.”

Ticket prices have also risen sharply.

“Tickets increased about 35% to 40% over last season,” Yassin said. “Last year it was 100,000 dinars [$71], but this year it’s 180,000 [$128].”