Skip to main content

Iraqi Kurdistan Offers Loans to Tourism Sector

To keep up with its quickly growing tourism sector, the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government has begun offering loans to those wishing to build hotels and other touristic facilities.

A resident jumps into water for a swim at Ahmed Awa tourist resort, known for its waterfalls, near Iraq's border with Iran where three American hikers are believed to have disappeared, near Sulaimaniyah, 260 km (160 miles) northeast of Baghdad, August 5, 2009.  An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Wednesday he could not confirm whether three Americans had been detained by Iran. Picture taken August 5, 2009. REUTERS/Jamal Penjweny (IRAQ CONFLICT TRAVEL) - RTR26G8J
A resident jumps into water for a swim on Aug. 5, 2009, at Ahmed Awa tourist resort, known for its waterfalls, near Sulaimaniyah and near Iraq's border with Iran. Three American hikers had been taken into custody by Iranian border guards in the area the week before and were not all released until 2011. — REUTERS/Jamal Penjweny

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq has begun issuing loans to citizens wishing to launch tourism ventures, especially in areas far from the region’s major city centers, such as Erbil, Sulaimaniyah and Dahuk. This step aims to develop the KRG's growing tourism sector and attracting more tourists to the area.

The KRG has repeatedly announced the development of its tourism sector as a priority and a part of a strategic plan to encourage foreign companies to invest in this sector. The KRG has organized several international conferences to develop this sector, inviting foreign and local experts to attend. They have also invited investors and company owners to take a look at the investment opportunities available in the Kurdistan region.

Subscribe for unlimited access

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more

$14 monthly or $100 annually ($8.33/month)
OR

Continue reading this article for free

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more.

By signing up, you agree to Al-Monitor’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Already have an account? Log in