Kurdistan Province; a booming tourist destination in Nowruz
Kurdistan Province of Iran, with its diverse natural, historical, and cultural attractions, as well as the unparalleled hospitality of its people, has emerged as one of the primary tourist destinations during the Nowruz (Iranian New Year) holidays.
The Bashmaq border, a key land passage between Iran and the Iraqi Kurdistan region, has become one of the busiest routes for foreign tourists — especially from Iraq — due to its geographical proximity, shared linguistic and cultural traits, and enhanced border services. Many travelers see the Nowruz holidays as a perfect opportunity to visit Iran, choosing Kurdistan for its varied attractions and warm culture, chtn.ir wrote.
This year, the enhancement of welfare services, the facilitation of travel processes, improved security conditions, and the preparation of reception infrastructure at the Bashmaq border have provided a comfortable and safe experience for travelers, contributing significantly to the increase in tourist arrivals.
From March 16 to April 2, 2025, a total of 41,807 foreign travelers and tourists entered the province through the international Bashmaq border, marking a 50% increase compared to the same period last year. This notable growth has underscored the importance of this border in the region’s tourism development.
In addition to the influx of travelers, Nowruz celebrations, local rituals, and cultural programs were hosted in various cities throughout the province, adding a joyful and vibrant energy to the region’s social fabric.
The surge in tourist numbers directly impacts the province’s economic prosperity; accommodation and hospitality centers, transportation services, local markets, and handicraft sales have all benefited from this growth. Foreign tourists, in particular, have shown great enthusiasm for local products and handicrafts, significantly contributing to job creation and strengthening the local economy.
These successes can be attributed to years of targeted planning, investment in tourism infrastructure, improvements in border services, and the ongoing efforts of executive bodies, private sector stakeholders, and effective collaboration among travel task force members.
Recent actions — including the expansion of tourism advertising, support for cultural events, and the enhancement of access routes — have positioned Kurdistan as a safe, beautiful, and culturally rich destination. Nowruz 1404 (2025) has marked a turning point in these efforts and has painted a bright future for the tourism landscape in this province.