The General Directorate of Tourism in Duhok has announced that Hiror village, located in the northern part of the province, has been selected as the Kurdistan Region’s top tourism village and will compete for the title of the world’s best tourism village.

Sarkar Subghatullah Saeed, Director General of Tourism in Duhok, confirmed that the nomination places Hiror among international candidates vying for global recognition. He noted that the selection follows specific criteria used annually to identify outstanding rural destinations for an international competition supported by the United Nations.

Saeed explained that villages are evaluated based on their tourism appeal, sustainability, and cultural value. “For this purpose, Hiror village has been officially nominated by the Duhok tourism authorities and will compete with other villages worldwide to win the title,” he said.

The competition is part of the “Best Tourism Villages” program, an initiative launched in 2021 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. The program aims to recognize rural destinations that preserve cultural heritage, promote sustainable tourism, and support local communities. Since its inception, it has highlighted dozens of villages worldwide for their natural beauty, traditions, and commitment to responsible tourism.

The Kurdistan Region, particularly Duhok Governorate, has been increasing its investment in the tourism sector in recent years. Authorities are seeking to attract more visitors by promoting the region’s mountainous landscapes, historical sites, and traditional villages.