Baghdad and Erbil are increasing cooperation to support tourism development across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Officials from both governments have launched joint efforts aimed at improving tourism infrastructure and promoting rural destinations internationally. Iraq sustainable tourism development has become a growing priority as authorities seek new opportunities for economic diversification and job creation.
The Iraqi Tourism Board and the Kurdistan Region’s Tourism Board are currently coordinating on several tourism initiatives. Officials say the partnership reflects a broader strategy to modernize the sector while improving cooperation between federal and regional institutions.
Ali Yasin, spokesperson for the Iraqi Tourism Board, said coordination between Baghdad and Erbil serves the public interest and supports long-term development goals. He described institutional cooperation as an important foundation for building a stronger and more competitive tourism sector across the country.
Authorities increasingly view tourism as a strategic economic sector that can reduce dependence on oil revenues. Officials believe stronger tourism activity can encourage investment, support local businesses, and create employment opportunities in rural areas.
Iraq sustainable tourism development efforts recently gained international attention through participation in a major United Nations tourism initiative. The Iraqi Tourism Board nominated seven villages from across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region for the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s “Best Tourism Villages” competition.
The global program highlights rural destinations that successfully promote sustainable tourism while preserving cultural heritage and local traditions. According to officials, the competition seeks to identify leading rural tourism locations from around the world.
Yasin stated that Iraqi authorities prepared a detailed file to improve the chances of securing international recognition for one of the nominated villages. The UNWTO allows each participating country to submit a maximum of seven locations for consideration.
Three of the nominated villages are located in the Kurdistan Region. These include Biyara in Halabja province, Hiror in Duhok province, and Rawanduz in Erbil province. The remaining villages are located in Mosul, Karbala, Dhi Qar, and Wasit provinces.
Officials said the nominations aim to introduce Iraq’s cultural diversity and natural landscapes to international audiences. The program also focuses heavily on ecological and environmentally friendly tourism projects.
Iraq sustainable tourism development plans place strong emphasis on preserving heritage sites while improving visitor services. Yasin explained that authorities want to integrate modern technology and tourism facilities without damaging the historical identity of archaeological and cultural locations.
The strategy also depends heavily on local community involvement. Officials believe sustainable tourism projects succeed only when local residents actively participate in tourism activities and economic opportunities.
According to the Tourism Board, villagers can contribute through handicrafts, local products, hospitality services, and tour guiding. Authorities say community participation strengthens local economies while helping preserve traditional culture and customs.
Beyond the UNWTO competition, Iraqi officials hope the initiative will encourage broader improvements in tourism standards nationwide. The Tourism Board plans to provide technical and logistical support to nominated villages as part of long-term development efforts.
If one of the nominated villages secures a place on the UNWTO list, officials expect major international exposure across tourism platforms in more than 160 countries. Such recognition could attract international visitors and increase investment in Iraq’s tourism sector.
Iraq sustainable tourism development remains closely tied to broader economic reforms and regional cooperation efforts. Baghdad and Erbil now appear increasingly focused on using tourism as a tool for economic growth, sustainability, and stronger institutional coordination across the country.