Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday opened the third Middle East Tourism Expo - Erbil (METEX) from May 6-8, 2025, and underlined that the KRG aims to attract more international tourists to the Kurdistan Region.

“The path for Kurdistan is clear: more visitors, more trade, more partnerships. That’s the future we’re building,” Prime Minister Barzani posted on X.

“We not only want our people to visit global tourist destinations, but also want to bring international tourists to the Kurdistan Region,” he added.

“In the past, most of our efforts have focused on introducing Kurdistan’s national identity abroad, but we have often had to talk about the tragedies our people have endured. Although we have gone through very difficult times, Kurdistan has much more to show the world. We want people from outside the region to visit Kurdistan and see its captivating geography, learn about its history, and witness the challenges we have overcome.”

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“Kurdistan is a region rich in history and culture, known for its religious and ethnic coexistence and natural beauty. It is essential to develop more services that encourage people from inside and outside the region to benefit from the tourism sector,” Prime Minister Barzani underlined.

He added that one of the key ways to introduce Kurdistan to the world is by prioritizing tourism, so more people can visit, interact with locals, and better understand the diverse regions of Kurdistan. “We aim to promote tourism development from several angles. Each region of Kurdistan has its unique features. We want to highlight these natural beauties from all areas.”

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“Historically, for example, the Erbil Citadel is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world – dating back 6,000 years. Around the citadel, numerous other archaeological sites continue to be discovered,” he added.

“Each year, more historical locations are uncovered, and these can all be part of the broader effort to promote tourism. Therefore, restoring and modernizing these heritage sites will contribute significantly to tourism.

“We are known for our hospitality, and we want to demonstrate this hospitality in a modern way – through our restaurants, hotels, and tourist destinations – to all our friends and guests who visit Kurdistan.

“In addition to bringing international tourists to the Kurdistan Region, boosting the tourism sector will undoubtedly increase job opportunities and encourage more people to engage in private sector careers. Many people who are currently unemployed could find work thanks to the growth of tourism. Kurdistan, day by day, will move forward and progress.”