Iraq’s Kurdistan Region is working on positioning itself as a world’s newest hot travel destination by launching a cable car project valued at US$160 million, which will traverse the scenic Soran Mountains.
Visit Kurdistan, a tourism body committed to developing the tourism ecosystem, and bringing Kurdistan to the world, has entered into a landmark agreement valued at US$160 million with Leitner, a prominent Italian company specializing in ropeway systems, to construct a 10-kilometer cable car. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the region’s burgeoning tourism sector and aims to attract 20 million visitors to Kurdistan by the year 2035.
The cable car, featuring seven stations, will rank among the longest in the world and is anticipated to yield substantial economic advantages, including the creation of over 500 jobs and an injection of $50 million into the local economy during its inaugural year of operation. This project, led by H.E. Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is in line with the government’s strategy for economic diversification, with tourism positioned as a key component.
The agreement was formalized at the Kurdistan-Italy Economic Forum in Rome, involving Visit Kurdistan in collaboration with the Kurdistan Regional Government and Leitner. This contract signifies the most extensive tourism engineering project ever launched in the Kurdistan Region and represents a crucial step forward for the region’s aspirations in sustainable tourism and infrastructure development.
Project Highlights:
- Tourism Expansion: The introduction of the cable car is anticipated to enhance Kurdistan’s tourism revenue by 5% each year.
- Construction Schedule: The construction is set to commence in the winter/spring of 2025, with the official launch planned for early 2027.
- Employment Opportunities: This initiative is projected to generate over 500 job opportunities for local residents throughout the tourism value chain, including establishments such as restaurants, cafes, spas, entertainment venues, and resorts at each station, thereby providing substantial economic advantages to the community.
- Advanced Technology: The 10-kilometer cable car will comprise seven stations, reaching the stunning Korek Mountain, utilizing a state-of-the-art 2S bi-cable system recognized for its stability, safety, comfort, and capacity for passengers.
- Eco-Friendly Design: The design incorporates strategies to minimize disruption to the existing rock face by utilizing more free spans and elevated lines to prevent deforestation, among other techniques.
- All-Season Operations: The cable car will operate daily for 10 hours throughout the year.
The Kurdistan Regional Government’s commitment to establishing top-tier infrastructure reflects its dedication to economic diversification and aligns with the broader development strategy for the region, stated Dr. Sarbaz Othman, Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government. He expressed optimism regarding the positive and sustainable economic benefits this development will bring to both residents and visitors.
Daban Hamid, CEO of Visit Kurdistan, highlighted the region’s distinctive tourism offerings: “Kurdistan presents an alternative to traditional tourism, inviting travelers to uncover our historical and natural treasures, thereby experiencing the essence of the Middle East.” He expressed satisfaction in collaborating with the Kurdistan Regional Government and Leitner on this initiative aimed at improving infrastructure, fostering economic diversification, generating employment opportunities, and facilitating access to the most picturesque areas of Kurdistan.
Thomas Schubert, Export Manager at Leitner, stated on the significance of this ambitious project: “This endeavor provides an exciting opportunity for Leitner to expand our portfolio of premier ropeway projects. The system is poised to establish a new benchmark for tourism development in the region, and we eagerly anticipate locals and tourists enjoying the ropeway in utmost comfort.”
