Gharib Ali Salim
One of the beautiful cultural traits of the people of the Kurdistan Region in general, and the Sulaimaniya Governorate in particular, is their hospitality. They are famously known as the most hospitable people in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. Any guest, tourist, or visitor with a different religion or belief system who comes to Sulaimaniya is treated as though they are in their own home. This has been one of the most significant factors in attracting tourists to any region or area. Good hospitality, respectful treatment, and honoring tourists are among the key elements that shape their perception and feelings about a place, providing them with a sense of comfort, tranquility, and inner peace, which encourages them to visit such destinations.
Sulaimaniya Governorate: A Tourist Hub in Kurdistan and Iraq
Sulaimaniya Governorate is one of the prominent tourist cities in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, drawing the attention of numerous visitors. A large number of tourists choose Sulaimaniya for leisure and to spend their time in its urban and natural attractions. Annually, during the New Year celebrations, many tourists visit the governorate’s tourist areas to enjoy the festivities, thanks to its diverse landscapes, weather variations, and snowfall in many of its mountainous regions. Winter tourism flourishes, with many destinations attracting visitors who engage in activities such as skiing, hiking, and exploring scenic areas like Azmar, Goizha, Sewail, Penjwen, and others.
The governorate has made significant progress in improving its hospitality services, including hotels, motels, and tourist complexes, to cater to visitors. Restaurants, cafés, and eateries further add to the vibrancy, especially during holiday seasons, enhancing the overall tourist experience. Additionally, Sulaimaniya, known as the capital of enlightenment, hosts several annual festivals, events, and national celebrations. Notable among them are the Galawêj Festival, the Nali Festival, and celebrations marking the founding of Sulaimaniya city. The International Tourism Exhibition, organized in collaboration with the Sulaimaniya Chamber of Commerce, regional tourism departments, and local organizations, also draws participation from many countries.
During these events, a variety of cultural and artistic activities are showcased, including traditional Kurdish music, folklore, crafts, cuisine, and traditional attire, alongside games and other entertainment. Public spaces and main streets in the city come alive, attracting the highest number of tourists, especially from southern and central Iraq, Iran, and international destinations. These efforts significantly contribute to increasing tourism in Sulaimaniya and revitalizing the economy of the Kurdistan Region.
New Year Celebrations and Their Economic Impact in Sulaimaniya Governorate
Each year, during the New Year celebrations, more than 50,000 tourists visit the tourist areas of Sulaimaniya Governorate. Many of these visitors are locals from southern and central Iraq, while others come from Iran and neighboring countries, particularly to regions known for their winter snow. This influx of tourists makes winter destinations in the governorate vibrant hubs of activity.
Hosting New Year festivals not only provides an opportunity to welcome the new year and spread joy among the people but also creates numerous new job opportunities for the city’s youth. These events support small businesses by boosting sales, helping them generate income. Hotels, motels, restaurants, cafés, butchers, shop owners, and service providers all benefit from the increased demand for goods and services during this time.
Tourism revenue is particularly important as it feeds into the broader economy, impacting markets and various sectors within the community. This surge in market activity revitalizes Sulaimaniya’s economy and builds confidence among its residents in the potential of the Kurdistan Region’s economy to recover and thrive.
Challenges Facing Tourism During New Year Celebrations in Sulaimaniya Governorate
The growing number of tourists during New Year festivities highlights several challenges that impede the overall experience and development of the tourism sector. Below are some key issues:
1. Poor Infrastructure
One of the primary challenges is the inadequate road network to access tourist areas, especially mountainous regions. Many roads are outdated and require urgent renovation, while some main roads remain single-lane, causing significant congestion during peak seasons. This poor infrastructure results in discomfort for tourists, deterring them from revisiting or exploring new destinations.
2. Limited Government Support
The lack of dedicated budgets for developing tourism infrastructure has hindered progress in providing essential facilities and launching projects to boost the sector. This is particularly problematic during special occasions like New Year when demand for services spikes. Without government backing, the sector struggles to prepare and sustain itself for such influxes.
3. Insufficient Winter Tourism Services
The scarcity of accommodations, restaurants, cafés, and recreational facilities in many tourist areas poses another major issue. Nearly 90% of these services are concentrated in the city center and a few administrative units, leaving other tourist spots underdeveloped. This uneven distribution forces tourists to face logistical challenges and diminishes their overall experience.
4. High Prices and Poor Service Quality
Inflated prices in tourist areas, particularly for food, accommodations, and other services, create dissatisfaction among visitors. In some cases, the cost of these services far exceeds their quality and is significantly higher compared to neighboring countries. During holidays, when demand surges, some businesses prioritize short-term profits over contributing to long-term tourism growth.
5. Environmental Degradation
The large number of tourists visiting Sulaimaniya’s tourist areas, especially during New Year, exerts considerable pressure on the environment. Pollution from vehicle emissions, littering, and careless disposal of waste by tourists—particularly those from outside the Kurdistan Region—results in environmental damage. Many tourists leave behind trash without cleaning up, indicating a lack of awareness about environmental preservation.
Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive strategies, including government investment in infrastructure, equitable distribution of tourism services, regulation of prices, and raising environmental awareness among tourists. By resolving these issues, Sulaimaniya can enhance its appeal as a winter tourist destination and further develop its economy through sustainable tourism.
* PhD Student in Tourism Marketing/ University of Sulaimaniya, Kurdistan Regiom, Iraq
