TEHRAN - Kermanshah is set to host a group of Iraqi travel insiders, who will soon arrive in the western province to discover its rich attractions, said a local official in charge of tourism.

“Kermanshah boasts a wide range of travel destinations concerning history, nature, culture, and health,” Dariush Farmani told ISNA. “Which can be leveraged to attract more visitors and stimulate the province’s economy.”

In recent years, the director-general emphasized, that tourism has become a priority for the provincial officials as a key aspect of development.

Highlighting the importance of attracting foreign tourists for economic benefits, Farmani noted that efforts are being made to draw not only domestic tourists but also international visitors, with a particular focus on Iraq due to its proximity.

He further elaborated that one significant advantage Kermanshah holds for attracting foreign tourists is its proximity to Iraq, with which it shares a 371-kilometer border. “Unfortunately, this potential has not been fully utilized, especially in medical tourism, as Iraqi tourists often use Kermanshah as a transit point to other provinces,” Farmani added.

The official stressed the need to introduce Kermanshah’s tourism capacities and infrastructure to Iraqi tourists, stating that in recent years, there have been several visits to neighboring Iraqi provinces to establish stronger tourism ties.

To familiarize Iraqi tourism activists with Kermanshah’s capacities, several have been invited to visit the province, according to Farmani. “During their stay, they will tour historical, natural, and cultural sites and get to know the province’s tourism infrastructure, particularly in medical tourism,” he continued.

“We are ramping up every effort to organize this tour as soon as possible,” Farmani said, expressing hope that this event will pave the way for increased Iraqi tourists to the province.

In his final words, he highlighted that while Kermanshah boasts numerous attractions that can draw Iraqi tourists, it is also crucial to develop recreational infrastructure, such as amusement parks and shopping centers, to further enhance the province’s appeal to Iraqi visitors.

Iran’s strategy of prioritizing tourism from neighboring countries in recent years, places Iraq in a special position due to geographical and religious proximity. Arranging such familiarization tours aims to strengthen cross-border tourism ties and highlight Kermanshah’s potential as a prime destination for Iraqi travelers.

XF/AM