Kurdistan Region of Iraq Report

According to Doaa Amin, General Manager of Tangram Hotel Erbil tourism sector in Erbil could be improved by simplifying the visa procedures. Despite Challenges tourism sector continues steady progress to place Erbil as one of the regional tourism hot-spots.

"Yes, I do see a steady progression. In 2012, when I first came here, I can tell you that the hospitality sector was on track to being established, although the major players were non-existent then. At that time, we practically heard nothing about the big hospitality players. As of 2013, major destination management companies, not only hotels but even travel agencies, transportation companies, and many of the infrastructure and service industries for hospitality and tourism were revealing their plans for Kurdistan and Erbil every day."

"There have been some delays in 2013 but this is normal. Many times when plans are announced they tend to be a little bit more optimistic than perhaps they should be. The tourism infrastructure in Erbil is certainly making steady progress. Without infrastructure many hotels, companies, tourists and business people who come here would not have such a complete experience. Without a doubt, this area is seeing a lot of progress."