Assessing the natural potential of ecotourism marketing in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

October 2025 , Pages 81 - 108

Authors

شیروان عمر رشید رشید 1 ; غريب علي سليم – طالب دكتوراه سلیم 2

1 جامعة السليمانية / كلية العلوم الإنسانية / قسم الجغرافيا

2 جامعة غويزها / كلية جامعة غويزها / قسم السياحة

DOI logo 10.17656/11781

Keywords

Abstract

Natural potential plays a fundamental and significant role in promoting and marketing environmental tourism in any region. This research, entitled “Assessment of Natural Potentials for Marketing Environmental Tourism in the Kurdistan Region Iraq,” aims to promote and market an environmental tourism brand with the purpose of attracting tourists, strengthening and introducing tourism products, and achieving greater economic benefits. Although the region possesses diverse natural potential that supports the development of environmental tourism, several challenges hinder the marketing of this type of tourism, particularly the limited availability of environmental tourism services and the poor quality of transportation infrastructure.

 To achieve the objectives of the study, fundamentals and analysis were applied, supported by various tables, maps, and photographs. The study reached several key findings, the most important of which is that the geographical location of the study area has made it a vital connection point between the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, and Turkey. Moreover, the existence of several international border crossings and the two international airports of Erbil and Sulaymaniyah have facilitated the arrival of foreign tourists and visitors from neighboring countries.

In addition, the diversity of landforms and the altitudinal range between 1000 and 3600 meters above sea level — including mountain chains, valleys, and plains — has created a rich natural environment that makes the region an attractive destination for environmental tourism.

Finally, the research presents several recommendations focusing on addressing the challenges and obstacles and on enhancing the marketing of environmental tourism in the Kurdistan Region.

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  • First online20 October 2025
  • Published at20 October 2025

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