International tourists account for 20% of visitors to the Kurdistan Region, with each foreign traveler spending an average of $1,500 during a stay of seven to 10 days, according to the Kurdistan Region Tourism Board, which plans to attract more overseas visitors by developing archaeological and historical sites.

International Tourist Numbers and Spending

According to Tourism Board statistics, international tourists, those arriving from outside Iraq, make up 20% of all visitors to the Kurdistan Region, while 80% come from central and southern Iraq. On average, each international tourist spends around $1,500 during a stay of seven to 10 days, with most choosing to stay in modern hotels.

Where International Tourists Come From

The majority of international visitors come from neighboring countries, particularly Iran, followed by Arab countries and European nations. According to the Tourism Board, foreign tourists are more likely to visit archaeological sites and travel to mountainous areas during the winter season for adventure activities and snowboarding.

Archaeological Sites and Tourism Potential

The Kurdistan Region is home to more than 5,000 archaeological sites, including the Erbil Citadel, which has around 7,000 years of continuous human habitation, as well as the Shanidar and Hazar Merd caves. Despite their historical significance, these sites have yet to become a major source of tourism revenue or attract larger numbers of international visitors.

Tourism Board Plans to Improve Services

Ibrahim Majid, spokesperson for the Tourism Board, said archaeological sites are administratively managed by the General Directorate of Antiquities. He added that more services are needed at these locations, and the Tourism Board plans to introduce a specialized tourist guide for archaeological sites to make visits easier for international tourists.