The region of Kurdistan has spent around USD 6 billion over the last two years on infrastructure development ahead of Erbil being named as Arab Tourism Capital of 2014, Hamza Hamed, a spokesperson for the Kurdish capital's governorate has said.
The event is expected to give Kurdistan's tourism industry and other related sectors a significant boost as Erbil accounts for 65% of the region's economic activities.
"We aim to make the tourism sector a sustainable economic resource instead of basing the region's economy on the oil sector only," said Hamed, who added that the number of tourists reached two million in 2013 and is expected to reach three million this year.
Sirwan Fares, a member of the executive committee organizing the events, said Erbil was a suitable choice to become Arab Tourism Capital because of its rich historical heritage and abundant natural attractions, which draw tourists all year round.
"In addition, Erbil boasts of moderate weather and a [pristine] environment. [This is] why we refer to it as the city of four seasons," he said. During the previous years, Erbil has been known to host annual festivals and various cultural, industrial, commercial and medical exhibitions.
GIVING TOURISM A LIFT
Kurdistan has enjoyed a 30% increase in the number of tourists, especially in Erbil, from Arab countries and this figure is expected to rise, according to Mawlawi Jabar, chairman of the General Board of Tourism. He added that both the public and private sectors are developing various projects such as touristic villages and monuments.
"Private companies have plans to accelerate the tourism sector and those [require] projects to be completed in two phases, the first ends in 2015 and the second in 2025," explained Jabar. Total investments in the tourism sector have reached USD 1.8 billion in 2012 while the total number of hotels increased from 106 in 2007 to 250 in 2013, with average occupancy rate at around 60%, further peaking to 90% during the tourism season.
"We plan to develop tourism and double the investment in this strategic sector," said Jabar, adding that USD 872 million were spent on 28 touristic projects - 19 in Erbil, three in Sulaymaniyah and six in Dahuk.
NUMEROUS BENEFITS
Being this year's Arab Tourism Capital will give Erbil several financial and reputational benefits, said economic expert Mohamed Selman, who views material gains in two folds as related to spending and revenue. Erbil has already spent a considerable sum of money in bidding for the title, presenting it with many long-term benefits including touristic infrastructure such as hotels and attractions that are a constant source of revenue especially during the tourism seasons. "What is even more important for us is the [prestige] related to the city's special status that allowed it to obtain this title," said Selman.
Dr. Salah Kako, president of SABIS University, stated that winning the title has a direct economic benefit that contributes to the GDP growth.
"Each spending in the tourism sector is beneficial for the economy, which reflects positively on individual income as it creates many employment opportunities," said Kako, who added that the title makes Erbil, which has many historical and archaeological sites as well as natural resources, an international tourist destination.
© Zawya 2014
