Stakeholders gather to discuss the goal of reaching 20 million visitors by 2035
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, February 17, 2026 – Visit Kurdistan (VK) gathered senior government officials, international diplomats, and private sector leaders yesterday at the newly inaugurated YouthHub for the Kurdistan Tourism Council (KTC) Workshop to align on the national goal of welcoming 20 million annual visitors by 2035.
The workshop opened with remarks from Daban Hamid, CEO of Visit Kurdistan, who stressed that the 2035 target can only be achieved through genuine coordination between public institutions and the private sector. “The path to 20 million visitors is not just about numbers,” he said. “It is about building a unified ecosystem. The Kurdistan Tourism Council will help us identify structural gaps and push for the policy changes needed to turn our potential into reality.”
Following the opening, a panel discussion featured H.E. Sasan Awni, Minister of Municipalities and Tourism; H.E. Dr. Mohammed Shukri, Chairman of the Board of Investment; and H.E. Safeen Dizayee, Head of the Department of Foreign Relations. Moderated by Bilal Barzanji, Head of Strategy at Visit Kurdistan, the panelists spoke openly about the need to diversify the Kurdistan Region’s economy and position tourism as a sustainable alternative to traditional sectors. They also addressed broader structural challenges, including dismissed constitutional rights of Kurdistan Region and the necessity of stronger financial cooperation with the Federal Government in Baghdad.
The technical segment featured a data-driven presentation by Dania Kader, Head of Projects at Visit Kurdistan. She presented regional comparisons and exclusive growth data, highlighting VK’s rapid progress over the past two years through digital expansion and international media outreach. After the presentation, participants moved into roundtable discussions where investors, airlines, and hotel owners shared practical recommendations on infrastructure and connectivity. The event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, formally launching the Kurdistan Tourism Council and marking the beginning of structured cooperation among all stakeholders.
About the Kurdistan Tourism Council (KTC)
The KTC is a strategic initiative designed by Visit Kurdistan to identify structural gaps within the tourism industry, provide data-driven solution strategies, and propose policy changes to the KRG to ensure the 2035 visitation goals are met through a unified, multi-stakeholder approach.
About Visit Kurdistan
Visit Kurdistan is the official destination brand of the Kurdistan Region, created to promote the region as a unique hub for culture, tourism, and opportunity. By showcasing Kurdistan’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and world-class hospitality, Visit Kurdistan connects the region with global audiences. Through strategic partnerships and international campaigns, it positions the Kurdistan Region as a premier destination for travelers, investors, and explorers worldwide.