DOI: 10.36347/sjebm.2018.v05i06.003

Pages: 439-443

The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) strategy is to expand tourism industry as a substitute to energy economy. Tourism industry has been flourished in Kurdistan, but the level of tourist satisfaction toward the motives of tourism is still unclear. This study aims to examine the condition of tourism industry in Kurdistan Region. It also aims to evaluate motivational factors that influence tourist decision. This leads to understand obstacles of tourism in the region and helps KRG to formulate a national policy to overcome tourism hampers. The study also identifies the level of satisfaction towards tourism industry in Kurdistan Region which is believed to be the most important condition to secure good position in tourist market destinations. The quantitative method of research has been employed through the use of questionnaire (N=133). The findings indicated that Kurdistan is in a good condition to develop tourism sector. The motivational factors such as general treatment of local people, nature, cultural and historical attractions, hospitality, tourism facilities, prices, and destination image are in a good condition. The level of satisfaction is reasonably high among tourists. However, there are still concern about entertainment and recreation activities, tourism infrastructure, and quality of environment and level of noise. The KRG can better manage this industry if it creates a positive distinction image and commercialize the industry.