Erbil 2014 – The Arab Tourism Capital

The Arab Council of Tourism has voted Erbil as the Arab Tourism Capital for the year 2014. Erbil 2014 will continue to be the pole of attraction for tourists and visitors to the Kurdistan region, as it has been for the past 7 years.
 
People who come here may not be able to say that Erbil is the most beautiful city in Iraq, but it is definitely the most interesting and the one that offers an exciting trip to the distant past and into the history of the region. People also decide to visit Erbil because here they can find the most business opportunities, several exhibitions in a large number of sectors, as well as high-end shopping centers, entertainment and accommodation facilities.

Erbil 2014 in Numbers
•    Erbil is the capital and the largest city in the autonomous Kurdistan region with a population of 1.5 million people and it is the 4th largest city in Iraq
•    According to a New York Times list, Erbil is the 34th most preferred tourist destination, while the National Geographic Magazine had Erbil in its list of the 20 best trips in 2011
•    Erbil International Airport is expected to handle more than 2 million passengers and 40,000 tonnes of cargo in 2014
•    There are 21 different airlines that currently fly to Erbil Airport
•    There are 5875 registered companies in the lists of the Erbil Chamber of Commerce
 •    The city has 8 large shopping malls with thousands of customers per year
•    Erbil International Fairground hosts at least 10 international shows per year
•    According to the Iraqi Industrial Development Authority, the Erbil labor force is 865,000 people

Erbil 2014 Entertainment for Visitors

Most visitors to the city who come to Erbil from neighboring countries or from the rest of Iraq look for a chance to spend a short holiday having fun, visiting places of natural beauty and doing their shopping in one of the luxury shopping malls of the city.

Apart from the ancient Citadel and the old part of the city which is the first and most important sight for anyone who comes to Erbil, visitors can try:

•    The Family Mall – the largest of Erbil’s Malls which opened its doors in 2010 and as its name suggests is ideal for families. Adults will find anything they want in the 100 retail stores, while children will love the large indoor ice-skating rink, going to see a movie in one of the 14 cinemas, or visiting the Digital City for the newest computer games

•    Sami Abdul Rahman Park where you can go for a picnic with your children. It is the largest and most beautiful park in Kurdistan with several playgrounds, cafés, and two beautiful lakes with paddle boats that will help you chill out on a hot day

•    Aqua Tarin Water Park is the place your kids will enjoy more than anything else. That does not mean that the place is not ideal for adults who want to have fun on one of its many waterslides.  On Thursdays and Fridays there are events, competitions, and performances by famous artists. Drink your coffee or enjoy a delicious meal in the green gardens of the park and have fun with your family.

Erbil 2014 International Fairground Exhibitions

For those who come to Erbil for business and want to find out about the latest developments in technology, household equipment and decoration, cars and commercial vehicles, building and construction, and a lot more, the Erbil tradeshow is not only a valuable source of information, but also a great chance to meet businessmen, inventors, international traders, prospective customers and distributors. The dates of the different kinds of exhibitions can be found on https://www.eventseye.com/fairs/cy1_trade-shows-erbil.html#top