Conde Nast Traveler earlier this month picked Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as one of the places to visit in Asia in 2026.

“There’s a strong desire to overturn past headlines, and the 2025 establishment of Visit Kurdistan, a private sector initiative with government backing, is a major first step in welcoming visitors, with the goal of attracting 20 million tourists to the region by 2030,” Nicola Chilton wrote for the magazine.

The article also added that, today, cranes dot the skyline as Erbil modernizes, with new developments such as Erbil Avenue, a residential project home to international brands such as Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger, EL&N London, CZN Burak, and Entrecote Cafe de Paris. 

Furthermore, the article pointed out that the United States is preparing to open its largest consulate in the world in an Erbil suburb, and a Real Madrid youth football academy is reportedly on the way.

“Erbil is a city to savor slowly, to sip sweet tea beneath the ancient ramparts alongside men dressed in baggy sharwal pants, and to join friendly young Kurds for drinks and live music in Ankawa neighborhood bars. It feels like a privilege to be welcomed with such warm hospitality by people who are genuinely curious as to why you’re visiting, where you’re from – and when you’ll be coming back,” she concluded.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has been working the last few years to diversify the Kurdistan Region’s economy, and not solely rely on oil income. 

Read More: Kurdistan’s Tourism Sector Gathers Momentum at METEX Erbil

Furthermore, Visit Kurdistan is working hand-in-hand with the KRG to promote the tourism sector through marketing campaigns, including on social media, where the organization showcases the beauty of the region, including nature, archeology, and history.

Read More: KRG Aims to Attract 20 Million Tourists by 2035: PM Barzani

During the formal launch of the Visit Kurdistan platform on June 10, KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said that the KRG aims to attract 20 million international tourists to the region by 2035 through strategic public-private cooperation.

“With its stunning natural landscapes, Kurdistan offers something for every season. Our region is home to more than ten significant sites and landmarks – religious, cultural, and historical – that are of great interest to both domestic and international tourists,” he stated.