Iraq Nominates Five Villages for UN’s Best Tourism Villages 2026 Initiative, Three in Kurdistan Region

Peregraf — Iraq has nominated five villages for the United Nations Tourism organization’s Best Tourism Villages 2026 initiative, including three located in the Kurdistan Region, as part of efforts to promote sustainable rural tourism.

The General Authority for Tourism announced Saturday that it had completed and submitted nomination files for the initiative, which recognizes villages that preserve cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and local development.

According to Ali Yassin Abdul-Ridha, Director of Relations and Media and spokesperson for the General Authority for Tourism, the five nominated villages are:

Byara in Halabja Province

Rawanduz in Erbil Province

Hiror in Duhok Province

Mirki in Nineveh Province

Abu Subat in Dhi Qar Province

Three of the five nominated villages are located in the Kurdistan Region.

Abdul-Ridha said Iraq formed a specialized technical committee to evaluate villages nationwide and prepare nomination files based on the criteria established by UN Tourism.

He said the initiative aims to promote sustainable development, encourage responsible and environmentally friendly tourism, and support local communities by developing ecotourism. 

“Iraq possesses diverse tourism resources, including religious, cultural, heritage, and ecotourism,” Abdul-Ridha said, noting that the country’s mountains, marshes, rivers, and deserts provide significant opportunities for sustainable tourism.

He added that the objective extends beyond international recognition, emphasizing the importance of protecting environmental and cultural heritage while applying international standards for sustainable development.

According to the Tourism Authority, the nominations form part of Iraq’s broader tourism strategy through 2035, which prioritizes green tourism and climate-resilient development.

The nomination files have been submitted to UN Tourism, and Iraqi authorities said they have received confirmation of receipt. The Authority plans to nominate additional villages in 2027 as part of its long-term strategy to strengthen rural tourism and attract investment.