ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday called for a renewed focus on showcasing the Region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, moving beyond its historical narrative of tragedy. He delivered the remarks at the Middle East Tourism Expo (METEX2025), held in Erbil with the participation of around 200 companies from 11 countries.
“For years, our efforts to introduce Kurdistan to the world centered on our national identity through the lens of suffering,” said PM Barzani, adding that “Kurdistan has much more to offer… It is a place of deep history, rich culture, and peaceful coexistence among diverse religious and ethnic communities.”
“Kurdistan’s beauty lies in its diverse nature and how hospitable and friendly its people are, which is a common trait throughout Kurdistan, to make our guests feel at home.”
PM Barzani also emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening the tourism sector.
“Improving our tourism sector will help us introduce Kurdistan to the world so that more people come and visit us and get to know our people and the different parts of our Region better,” he said.
“We must continue to develop services so that more people, whether from Kurdistan or abroad, benefit more from this sector.”
PM Barzani underscored the role of events like METEX2025 in elevating the Kurdistan Region’s profile as a key tourist destination.
Today in Erbil, we opened #METEX2025 — a platform for tourism, aviation, and investment.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) May 6, 2025
The path for Kurdistan is clear: more visitors, more trade, more partnerships. That’s the future we’re building. pic.twitter.com/1MChe2Dn5w
“One of the factors that will help us introduce Kurdistan to the world more effectively is our focus on the tourism sector,” the premier said, stressing that “by working together and with the [Kurdistan Regional] Government’s [KRG] support, such events can serve all of the Kurdistanis.”
The Kurdistan Region premier additionally stressed the importance of restoring and renovating historical sites and cultural relics across the Region “as each possesses its own unique natural and cultural beauty.”
According to the Kurdistan Region’s Tourism Board, nearly eight million tourists visited in 2023, primarily from Iraq’s central and southern provinces.
For its part, the KRG in March 2024 announced that 1.7 million tourists had visited the Region in the first three months of that year.
Geographically, the Kurdistan Region is characterized by predominantly mountainous terrain, offering particularly striking natural landscapes in its northern and northeastern areas, especially along the borders with Turkey and Iran.
In addition to its breathtaking natural scenery, the Kurdistan Region is rich in cultural and historical heritage, positioning it as a significant part of ancient Mesopotamia.
The Region is also home to a wealth of archaeological sites, ancient cities, and religious landmarks that bear witness to thousands of years of continuous civilization. These include remnants from the Sumerian, Assyrian, and Median eras, highlighting the Region's deep historical roots.
At the heart of this archaeological landscape stands the Erbil Citadel, widely regarded as the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlement. Dating back to 6000 BC, the Citadel serves as a symbolic and cultural centerpiece of the Kurdistan Region’s enduring legacy.
