Kermanshah Welcomes 13 Iraqi Travel Agencies to Ignite Tourism Growth
In a strategic move to boost tourism, the Kermanshah Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department has officially invited 13 travel agencies from Iraq to explore the rich natural and historical attractions of Kermanshah province. This initiative aims to enhance tourism flow from neighboring Iraq and tap into the investment potential of the region’s tourism industry.
The invitation is a part of the department’s ongoing efforts to familiarize Iraqi travel agencies with Kermanshah’s unique offerings, including its diverse natural landscapes and thriving health tourism sector. According to a report from Miras Arya (CHTN), this collaboration is expected to pave the way for a significant increase in international tourism.
During a recent coordination meeting held to welcome the managers of these Iraqi tourism agencies, Dariush Farmani, the head of Kermanshah Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department, emphasized the importance of this initiative. He noted that the focus is particularly on agencies that cater to the Arab regions of Iraq, which have yet to fully recognize the tourism potential of Kermanshah.
“The invited agencies will have the opportunity to experience Kermanshah’s historical tourism attractions, including:
- Ancient monuments
- Registered historical sites
- Extensive natural landscapes
- Health tourism facilities
Farmani highlighted that these visits will allow the representatives from the Iraqi agencies to familiarize themselves with various accommodation options, including hotels and hospitals, as well as the medical infrastructure available in Kermanshah. This groundwork is essential for attracting Iraqi tourists for combined health and leisure tourism tours.
As part of the program, numerous meetings will be organized between travel agencies, hoteliers, and medical centers in the province. These interactions aim to facilitate:
- Experience sharing
- Organization of diverse tourism tours
- Expansion of joint cooperation
Farmani also stated that memoranda of understanding (MOUs) will be established between both parties to enhance cooperation and streamline the process of attracting tourists. He believes that this initiative will significantly contribute to:
- Developing foreign tourism
- Boosting the province’s economic prosperity
- Strengthening cultural and economic ties between Kermanshah and Arab regions of Iraq
He further pointed out that effectively utilizing Kermanshah’s tourism capacity can play a crucial role in promoting the area’s unique attractions and increasing tourism-related income.
Kermanshah, formerly known as Bakhtaran, has a rich historical background. Founded in the 4th century CE by Bahram IV of the Sasanian dynasty, the city has witnessed numerous transitions. It was conquered by Arab forces in 640, leading to its renaming as Qirmasin (Qirmashin). Under the Seljuk dynasty in the 11th century, it emerged as the chief town of Kordestan. The Safavid dynasty fortified the city, while the Qajar dynasty successfully repelled a Turkish attack during the reign of Fath Ali Shah (1797-1834). The city was briefly occupied by the Turkish army during World War I from 1915 to 1917. The establishment of a road in the 1950s over the historical Khorasan track significantly enhanced the city’s importance.
This recent initiative by the Kermanshah Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department marks a promising step toward fostering tourism growth in the region and establishing Kermanshah as a prime destination for Iraqi travelers seeking both leisure and health tourism experiences.
