Kurdistan (Iraq), -- Bekhal,
Shaqlawa, Gali Ali Bag and Hiran are all places that attract
thousands of tourists, especially this time of the year. However,
one big problem is the short period of free time people have and the
long drives it takes them to get to these touristic areas.
Mostly, the tourists in Erbil sit along the sides of the Salahaddin
freeway or visit the Sami Abdul-Rahman Park to enjoy their spare
time. This, in many cases, leads to creating crowds and traffic
jams. “I don’t like crowds and everywhere is so crowded. I would
like a peaceful place to go to while picnicing or on trips,” said
Roshan Mahmoud, a graduate student.
Commenting on the traffic problem, Officer Abdullah Suleiman said,
“We face a lot of heavy traffic. Many people are not even aware of
the exciting roads they can take to return home.”
Cars registered in Erbil alone are about 200,000, not to mention all
the other vehicles visiting from other cities daily. When everyone
is on their way home at the same time, taking the same roads they
know about, it might take hours to cut a distance that would
normally take only 30 minutes.
“There is no place where one can feel comfortable and relaxed,” said
Hamin Mahmoud, a taxi driver, wishing there existed places where
everyone was equal, regardless of gender or age – and where no one
harasses anyone.
Nonetheless, in Bekhal, a private project has started by a person
named Hazim Kurda. It includes building 70 houses, swimming pools
with much more on the way to be offered to tourists. This is hoped
to be just what people like Hamin are searching for.
“The Ministry of Tourism has recently been set and that is the first
step. We don’t have any staff yet, and we need all the support we
can get from foreigners and experienced companies,” said Umed Kaifi
Ismail, from Erbil Tourism.
This ministry’s future plans include sending staff out of the
country for training and to invite foreign companies to Iraqi
Kurdistan to develop tourism. A problem though is the security issue
– foreigners are afraid to enter the county – and those who are not
afraid to come, refuse to do so because of the bad roads and the
lack in banking systems, according to Umed.
A few companies from Lebanon have had the courage to visit Iraqi
Kurdistan so far, to see what kinds of aid are needed for supporting
the region and cooperation between the two.
Something that does remain missing is winter attractions, but plans
for building skiing resorts are being discussed according to Bisem
Zakariya, a director from the same ministry.
Due to the fact that the Ministry of Tourism cannot put forward any
financial support; it does rent out pieces of land, at charges
ranging from one to three Iraqi Dinars per square metre, to private
persons who are in need of land for good investment projects and
productive ideas. Although the ministry itself does not have any
projects; it does encourage potential business people to present
their plans and be active in the process of enhancing tourism.
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