KABUL, Afghanistan — Venturing into the once war-torn lands of Afghanistan, tourists are slowly beginning to explore this country, arriving by plane, motorbike, camper van, and even bicycles. Solo travelers and tour groups alike are discovering a nation that had long been overshadowed by conflict. The Afghan government, now led by the Taliban, which assumed control over three years ago, warmly welcomes these new visitors.
“The Afghan people are hospitable and eager to host travelers from other countries,” said Deputy Minister of Tourism Qudratullah Jamal. “Tourism brings numerous advantages, and we want our nation to fully benefit from them.”
Tourism stands as a crucial, multi-billion-dollar sector for many nations. Within Afghanistan, a country of 41 million people largely marooned in poverty due to its isolation on the international front and the Taliban’s restrictive policies on women and girls, the potential profits from tourism have not gone unnoticed. Jamal emphasizes, “We are currently seeing significant revenue from tourism, and we hope it will grow further, reaching more segments of society than other industries often do.”
Although tourist numbers are still modest, they show consistent growth. According to Jamal, nearly 9,000 foreign tourists visited Afghanistan last year, with close to 3,000 having already explored the country in the first quarter of this year. The streamlined process for obtaining tourist visas and the availability of flights from major transit hubs such as Dubai and Istanbul contribute to the increase. Notably, there is a training institute dedicated to men seeking careers in hospitality and tourism.
For decades, continuous conflicts kept visitors away from this landlocked nation of majestic mountains, deep gorges, and ancient history. The Taliban’s 2021 takeover from a U.S.-backed government shocked the world, leading to a mass exodus of Afghans. Yet, with the insurgency over, the rampant bombings and suicide attacks that defined previous years have markedly reduced.
Nonetheless, the threat of attacks persists, as demonstrated by a May 2024 incident when an Islamic State affiliate allegedly killed six people, including three Spanish tourists, in Bamiyan—a key tourist destination known for its centuries-old giant Buddhas destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.
Western nations continue to caution against travel to Afghanistan, but the noticeable drop in violence since the reduction of U.S.-led military actions is an argument the government uses to reassure potential visitors. “Afghanistan has endured many years of adversity. We want tourists to come and experience the true culture and life of Afghans,” Jamal said, emphasizing the comprehensive security now in place.
However, the ethical considerations of visiting a nation with stark gender inequality remain a point of contention. While education for women stops after primary school and various professional opportunities are closed to them, tourists face fewer restrictions. Foreign women generally need to wear headscarves in public, but they often have access to places off-limits to Afghan women, such as parks.
Despite these challenges, some travelers, like French-Peruvian Illary Gomez and her British partner, James Liddiard, ultimately decided to pass through Afghanistan as part of a larger journey, choosing to see the situation firsthand and recognizing that their spending benefits the local population rather than the government.
For the government, welcoming tourists serves as more than an economic boost; it’s an opportunity to build international bridges. Jamal stated, “Tourism is a bridge between cultures, encouraging mutual understanding and learning.” As visitors gain firsthand experiences, they develop connections and trust with locals, helping diminish the perceived distance between peoples.
In conclusion, while Afghanistan grapples with its internal political complexities and international relations, the growing trickle of tourists is helping forge new pathways for cultural exchange and economic opportunities. As the country opens its doors, it hopes that tourism will be a step toward bridging divides and fostering global understanding.