The tourism industry is an important phenomenon considered as one of the main sources of the economy and an effective factor in the development of countries. This industry, while generating income and creating a great deal of entrepreneurship, has brought nations, ethnicities and cultures closer to each other. The tourism industry as an important economic sector can play an effective role in the development and diversification of the economy by principled planning and identification of strengths, advantages and limitations. Many countries are increasingly realizing that they need to take the initiative to find new ways to improve their economic situation. The development of the tourism industry is of great consequence, particularly for developing countries and less developed regions which face problems such as high unemployment, limited foreign exchange resources and a single-product economy.

This conference intends to take small steps towards the development of tourism in the province and the country by emphasizing sustainable development by providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and opinions. The tourism industry is a cross-sectoral category that includes various aspects of social and cultural, economic and business development, geographical, environmental and legal factors.

Registering various archeological monuments and various achievements of Kurdistan Province at national and international level (namely Ziviyeh, Zaribar Lake, Sanandaj as the Creative City of Music, the UNESCO World Heritage Registration of Cultural Landscape of Hawraman/ Uramanat) has focused attention on the region and led to positive development of the province and the country. Furthermore, it is essential that serious attention is paid to these aspects to provide the ground for introducing this region to the world and the region to be able to play its international and national role in terms of the "Think globally and act locally" approach. To emphasize the message of peace and friendship to the world while attaining the maximum benefits of tourism development and minimizing its negative effects, a platform should be provided for international experts in the field of tourism and tourists to get acquainted with the culture, customs, nature, and attitude of the people of this part of the world.

Since the sustainable development of tourism requires the full participation of the scientific community and related officials of the province and the country, the University of Kurdistan with the full cooperation of all stakeholders in this industry and for the second time is holding an international conference on tourism and development to formulate a roadmap for the sustainable development of tourism, take appropriate measures and establish its role as a scientific center.

The clear purpose of this conference is to provide a platform for connecting all kinds of tourism together (adventure tourism, business tourism, cultural tourism, ecotourism, food tourism, dark or bitter tourism, and health tourism) and to underlying infrastructure and related facilities such as accommodation, transportation and relocation services, health and leisure services. Therefore, the 12 conference topics selected try to encapsulate all aspects of tourism and are mentioned in the conference topics section. The conference topics are not limited to those outlined and other aspects of tourism can be presented.