The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has launched a new investment roadmap featuring 24 tourism projects across the Kurdistan Region. The initiative aims to attract domestic and international investors while reducing the economy’s dependence on oil revenues.
The most notable aspect of the plan is the government’s infrastructure-first strategy. Authorities have already secured the land and provided basic services before seeking investors. Roads, electricity, water, and internet connections are in place. Meanwhile, this approach reduces financial risks and allows investors to begin projects more quickly.
The roadmap places Erbil at the center of the tourism strategy. Therefore, the province is home to major attractions, including the Erbil Citadel, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited sites. The area also includes popular destinations such as Shaqlawa, Mount Safin, and the Soran Independent Administration.
The government has identified three flagship projects in Erbil province. The first is the Cheniran Village Project near Shaqlawa. The 200-dunam site is planned as a mountain resort with hotels, tourist villas, event venues, and recreational facilities.
The second project is the Tawska Eco-Tourism Project on the slopes of Mount Safin. Additionally, the development will include eco-friendly hotels, festival grounds, and outdoor sports facilities. Officials hope it will attract adventure and nature tourism.
The third project is the Gopal Riverside Tourism Complex in Darashakran. The site lies along the Great Zab River and the highway linking Erbil and Duhok. Plans include concert halls, local product exhibitions, and waterfront recreational facilities.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has said the government is committed to supporting investment and turning tourism into a sustainable source of revenue. Moreover, under the investment package, approved projects receive a 10-year exemption from taxes and non-customs duties. Imported raw materials also receive a five-year customs exemption.
The region’s investment law allows 100 percent foreign ownership and guarantees the repatriation of profits and capital. The KRG believes these incentives will strengthen the hospitality sector, create jobs, and generate long-term non-oil revenues.
The success of the initiative will depend on investor interest, continued infrastructure development, and a stable political and security environment. For now, the KRG has laid the groundwork for a new phase of tourism-driven economic diversification.
