ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Iraq’s tourism authority said on Saturday it is promoting investment in environmentally friendly tourism projects and simplifying tourist entry procedures to enhance the country’s appeal as a destination.

“The authority is adopting the concept of ecotourism as one of the promising paths, by encouraging investment in environmentally friendly projects and supporting natural destinations, particularly the marshes and rural areas, while preserving their environmental balance, in addition to preparing guidelines for tourism establishments,” Ali Yassin, spokesperson for the board, told state media. 

Yassin said the authority continues to coordinate with the Ministry of Construction, Housing, Municipalities and Public Works and traffic directorates to improve road networks leading to tourist and archaeological sites.

He also added that they would work on opening “alternative routes and expanding vital roads, in addition to organizing tourist bus traffic and allocating routes for tourist groups, which contributes to reducing congestion and improving the tourist experience.”

“These measures come within a comprehensive government approach to support the tourism sector as an important economic resource and enhance Iraq’s openness to regional and international tourism movement,” he stressed.

Iraq has intensified efforts to revive its tourism sector in recent years, with authorities pointing to growing visitor numbers, new investments and infrastructure projects. The push gained momentum after Baghdad was named the Arab Tourism Capital for 2025.

Since then, Iraqi authorities have launched a series of development projects aimed at improving tourism infrastructure, including upgrades to roads, green spaces, historic districts and tourist facilities in Baghdad. Officials say the capital is increasingly attracting both domestic and foreign visitors.

Tourism officials have also highlighted growth beyond Baghdad, particularly in the southern province of Dhi Qar.

Authorities say the ancient city of Ur is nearing a “tourism revolution” driven by archaeological and religious tourism, while foreign delegations have increasingly visited sites in Babylon, Mosul and Nasiriyah.

Officials have also pointed to ongoing investments in hotels, tourism infrastructure and the restoration of Iraq’s southern marshlands as part of broader efforts to expand the sector.

Last week, Iraq nominated five villages for the United Nations’ Best Tourism Villages 2026 program as part of efforts to promote rural and ecotourism.

The list includes Biyara in Halabja province, Rawanduz in Erbil province, and Hiror in Duhok province in the Kurdistan Region, alongside the Assyrian village of Merki in Nineveh province and Abu Subat in Dhi Qar province.

Iraqi tourism officials said the nominations aim to support sustainable development and responsible tourism while showcasing the country’s natural, cultural and historical heritage.

Iraq’s tourism sector has suffered massive losses due to wars dating back decades, including the Iran-Iraq war, the 1991 Gulf War, and the US invasion in 2003. Sectarianism and turmoil, coupled with the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) in 2014, further crippled tourism.