Taliban officials say more than 500,000 tourists have visited Bamiyan
Taliban officials in Bamiyan say more than 500,000 domestic and foreign tourists have visited the province’s historical, archaeological and recreational sites since the start of the current year. They said about 1,500 of them were foreign visitors.
Saboor Farzan Sighani, the Taliban-appointed governor’s spokesman in Bamiyan, told Pajhwok that the province attracts large numbers of tourists from different Afghan provinces every year. He said security, the provision of tourism facilities and related services were among the factors behind the rise in visitor numbers.
According to him, most foreign tourists came to Bamiyan from France, Italy, the United States, Taiwan, China, Poland, India, Iran, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Russia and Britain. He added that these tourists visited various historical, natural and recreational sites in the province.
Taliban local officials said the former Buddha statues site, the surrounding caves, the city of Gholghola, the city of Zohak, Kakrak Valley and its historic caves, Qazan Valley and Baba Valley were among the places that drew the most attention from tourists. Band-e Amir, central Bamiyan Valley, the mountains around the city and agricultural areas were also named as other popular destinations.
Mohammad Wali, a domestic tourist, told Pajhwok that Bamiyan’s historical monuments and natural landscapes have a special appeal for visitors. Mohammad Ishaq, another tourist, also described the trip to the province as a good experience and called for more facilities for visitors.
Mohammad Homayoun, a professor at Kabul Polytechnic University and an economist, said the increase in tourists could have a positive impact on Bamiyan’s local economy. He said spending by tourists on accommodation, transport, food, guides and handicrafts directly and indirectly increases the income of local residents.
He also stressed that tourism growth cannot happen through claims of security alone and requires road development, transport, accommodation, health services, professional guides and sustained planning. He said that if conditions are created for private investment, Bamiyan could play a greater role in boosting economic activity and people’s earnings.
Bamiyan is located in central Afghanistan and is considered one of the country’s main tourist destinations because of its ancient sites, the location of the Buddha statues and Band-e Amir National Park. In recent years, the province has also been known as one of Afghanistan’s best-known historical and natural areas.
