Adventure tourism to Afghanistan is growing slowly but surely, driven by the Taliban government in a bid to boost the politically and financially isolated country’s coffers after forty years of armed conflict.
Speaking to the Associated Press, Qudratullah Jamal, the Deputy Minister of Tourism explained the government’s strategy and the welcome available in Afghanistan: “The Afghan people are warm and welcoming and wish to host tourists from other countries and engage with them,” he stated. “Tourism brings many benefits to a country. We have considered those benefits and aim for our nation to take full advantage of them.”
[Tourism Alert]
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Afghanistan saw many foreign tourists in a remarkable development, rising from 691 in 2021 to more than 5,200 in 2023.
Decades of conflict made tourism in Afghanistan rare but now the region has become a favourite destination. pic.twitter.com/HqjLUNmLGL
Some of those positives include “interaction between the people of different countries” which Jamal said “helps build international relations and is also beneficial for trade. “When foreigners come here, Afghans also learn a lot from them. In addition to expanding commerce, tourism also helps foster mutual understanding, cultural exchange and strengthens talents as people learn from one another.”
Describing the revenues generated by the travel and tourism sector as “considerable” Jamal expressed hope for further growth in an industry that has far-reaching societal impacts. “We are optimistic this sector will evolve into a large economy, bringing significant benefits. It plays an important role in strengthening our national economy,” he said.
Having set up a training course for Afghan men who want to work into tourism, eased visa routes, and improved connectivity with major international hubs, the central south Asian nation managed to attract 9,000 tourists in 2024, up from 7,000 in 2023. That figure is set to increase that by 25% in 2025 if first quarter figures are an indicator for the rest of the year.
The Trump administration has banned Afghans from entering the US, labelling them a country where security procedures are “deficient.” The US State Department and the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office advises against all travel to Afghanistan due to improper detentions and the risk of kidnappings and violence.
But despite the insurgent attacks that still occur, Jamal sought to reassure would-be visitors that risk levels are falling. Emphasising what he called “comprehensive security across Afghanistan,” Jamal said: “Afghanistan has gone through many years of war and hardship. Now, we want tourists to come and see the true traditions and customs of Afghans, to understand Afghan life, creativity and resilience.”
Women live under gender apartheid rules in Afghanistan, banned from education after primary age, forbidden from most places of work, prohibited from visiting gardens, gyms, and parks, and forced to cover their faces in public places.
Pushed on the issue, Jamal insisted that “Those who respect our laws and traditions have already come and can continue to come.” He also pointed out that women visitors are welcome and that the rules for women travellers are not as strict. They do need to wear headscarves when out and about but have more access to parks for example. However, many tourists are staying away still, as they do not want to be seen to endorse the Taliban policies.
