TEHRAN – Kermanshah, the Iranian western province which shares a 371-kilometer border with both the Kurdish and Arab regions of Iraq, has set sights on Iraqi tourism market, said a local tourism official.

“Iraq and its [semi-autonomous] Kurdistan region are key target markets for attracting overseas tourists,” Dariush Farmani stated in a meeting with local travel insiders on Saturday. “Enhancing interactions with this area is a top priority for province’s foreign tourism development.”
He further emphasized that the western tourism axis of Iran will be highlighted at the Sulaymaniyah International Tourism Exhibition in Iraq, scheduled to take place in late September.

Mentioning to the exhibition as a valuable opportunity to introduce Kermanshah’s attractions and capabilities, Farmani highlighted that attending such international exhibitions provides a suitable platform for promoting tourism, engaging in international negotiations, and signing cooperation agreements.

Some promotional packages, including video clips of the province’s tourist attractions, will be presented at the event, the official continued.

Farmani also pointed out the participation of the province’s accommodation centers in the exhibition to introduce the region’s lodging facilities. Additionally, local travel agencies and tourism guides will be involved to further promote the province’s offerings, he outlined.

One area of focus, Farmani concluded, is health tourism, where Kermanshah is poised to play a prominent role.

The Sulaymaniyah International Tourism Exhibition is scheduled to take place from September 26 to 29, coinciding with World Tourism Day (September 27).

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