WATCH: video in Kurdish
SORAN, Kurdistan Region - The first round of Jordanian tourists has arrived in Kurdistan Region with more to arrive every Sunday.
The tourists spent the first day of the Muslim Eid in Soran, a mountainous region of Kurdistan and a popular tourist destination known for its cool climate, water spots and scenery.
Traditionally, many of the tourists who visit this area come from other parts of Iraq, for a chance to cool off and swim in the cold waters. But the popular destination is set to gain ground among foreign visitors, especially from other parts of the Middle East.
“We heard that Kurdistan is modern and progressive. Its people are very kind and hospitable. That is why we came to visit,” said Nervet Harar.
Mesmerized by the scenery, she was keen to exploit every opportunity to take in the scenery and take selfies, happy to share the photos with other Jordanians.
She said the media were important in encouraging Jordanians to travel to this part of the world. This tour comes after a group of journalists from Jordan visited the Kurdistan Region in August, and reported about their visit after returning home.
Harar is one of 70 Jordanians who took part in this tour. The plan is for tourists from Jordan arriving in Kurdistan every Sunday.
“From the warm welcome at the airport, we knew that our tour would be a nice experience,” Harar added.
The company, which helped arrange the tour, said it was planning also to encourage tourists from other countries.
“After Eid, God willing we will go to Egypt, Lebanon, and Palestine so that we can arrange tourist visits (to Kurdistan). We believe every person who sees this nature will visit this region and Kurdistan,” said Novel Khasawna, the owner of a tourism company.
Some 400 companies have been licensed by Kurdistan’s tourism ministry to bring in tourists to Kurdistan.
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