Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, experienced a major surge in tourism last year, with approximately 3.5 million visitors in the first eleven months alone, Governor Omed Xoshnaw announced on Wednesday.

Citing official figures from the region’s tourism authorities, Governor Xoshnaw told Rudaw that 3.4 million tourists visited the city between January 1 and December 1. He expressed confidence that the numbers rose further in December, stating, “Undoubtedly the number of tourists increased further in the final month of the year as well.”

The governor highlighted significant government efforts to prioritize and develop the tourism sector. “Full attention has been given to the tourism sector,” Xoshnaw said, noting that facilities and incentives have been provided for investors.

A key improvement has been in accessibility for tourist groups. “Previously, they were only able to come to Erbil during the daytime, but now full facilitation is provided around the clock, allowing them to visit at any time,” the governor explained.

While the exact number of December visitors remains unclear, officials were optimistic about the year-end figures. Ibrahim Abdulmajeed, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Region's tourism board, told Rudaw in late December that preparations for the season were more comprehensive than in previous years. “We anticipate that more than 200,000 tourists will visit the Kurdistan Region because our preparations are strong,” he said.

This tourism boom is supported by substantial long-term investment. Over the past five years, the region has implemented 80 strategic tourism projects worth a total of $7.5 billion, including hotels, motels, and large tourist complexes.

Erbil alone boasts extensive infrastructure, with 1,611 licensed tourism facilities. This network includes 445 hotels and motels and 47 tourist villages, according to data obtained by Rudaw, underscoring the city's growing role as a major regional tourism destination.