Stunning cobalt-blue lakes with natural travertine dams in Band-e-Amir, the pristine, soaring Pamir Mountains, through which some of the world’s last snow leopards prowl—far from the simplistic, violent, and drab images preferred by the media, Afghanistan is a beautiful and multifaceted nation. Lonely Planet once described Afghanistan as a “vastly appealing country.” Having married into an Afghan family many years ago, I can attest that the culture is also extremely hospitable. Welcoming tourists to visit their beautiful nation is a logical extension of the Afghan culture. 

With such a rich and hospitable culture and unparalleled natural beauty, the post-conflict development of a responsible and sustainable tourism sector could benefit Afghanistan—especially in more remote areas. Before the wars and COVID-19, in the 1970’s, over 100,000 tourists per year visited Afghanistan. But there is hope for an end to the pandemic, and as of March, COVAX vaccines began to be administered. There is also some hope for a successful peace process.

Afghanistan, Tourism, and Armed Conflict

I must highlight at the outset of this article that the situation in Afghanistan remains extremely dangerous and in-flux, with the security outlook for the future unclear. The United States and multiple other governments warn against present travel there due to widespread violence, kidnappings, and suicide bombings. As of this writing, the peace process is floundering, and most of Afghanistan remains an extremely dangerous place to venture to.

However, while a nation-wide, durable peace is hoped for in the future, there are more stable areas of Afghanistan. Bamiyan Province and the Wakhan Corridor were seeing tourists return, before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Curiosity about this nation, with its extraordinary natural beauty and rare wildlife, is prompting eco- and adventure-tourists and those interested in the history and culture of Afghanistan to travel there, despite the dangers and warnings against going.                         

One might balk at the notion of a non-essential visit to Afghanistan since violence and bombings are a daily occurrence in the capital of Kabul. Yet, Bamiyan Province, in the Central Highlands, or the extremely remote Wakhan Corridor, which reaches out to touch the Chinese border—both unique in terms of their nature—are more peaceful areas of Afghanistan. Tourism programs must be developed with careful planning to benefit the people of Afghanistan who have suffered greatly over the past four decades of near-continuous armed conflict.

Sustaining Local People’s Well-being

The United Nations designated 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, in part to educate people on how tourism can play a positive role in development. Sustainable Tourism is defined by the UN as “tourism to support economies without disrupting local cultures and the ecological foundation that the industry and/or activities are founded on.” “Adventure travelers” seek to combine travel with sport or rigorous physical activity, such as mountain climbing or unique experiences in nature. Ecotourism is “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.” Sustaining local people’s well-being is critically important, but has not always happened. Tourists can and should help Afghanistan’s economy grow—not cause more problems for the nation.

There is no doubt that tourism can bring in hard currency and livelihoods to regions that have few other options. According to the World Trade Organization, 10 percent of world’s GDP is from travel and tourism. If not implemented with care, however, tourism can exploit local communities, trample natural areas, and have unintended negative consequences such as making wildlife more dependent on humans. If done responsibly, tourism can play a vital role for the local community. It can provide desperately needed jobs in remote areas, preserve cultural heritage, create cultural exchange, and help raise funds for conservation efforts. 

Beautiful Bamiyan

While researching this article, I was surprised to learn that Bamiyan, Afghanistan is currently welcoming visitors from nations without COVID-19 travel restrictions. The city’s giant Buddhas, destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, have come back to life as 3-D holographic light projections. Bamiyan also has important archaeological sites, such as caves holding some of the world’s first oil paintings dating back 14 centuries, and a fledgling ski industry.          

Bamiyan has a unique and progressive history including Afghanistan’s first female provincial governor, Dr. Habiba Sarabi. A friend of mine who is from Bamiyan, named Sattar, asked me to stress how “open-minded, hospitable, and friendly the people of Bamiyan are towards national/international tourists and visitors.” The people of Bamiyan are also a different tribe from the Taliban who are not welcome in the Province.

This stability made Bamiyan attractive to potential tourists before the pandemic. Gul Hussain Baizada, a Tourism Consultant & Tour-Guide for Silk Road Afghanistan Travel in Bamiyan, told me that he is optimistic that Bamiyan can restart its tourism sector fully once the tourists are able to safely return. “We hope one day Bamiyan will become a main tourism destination,” Gul told me in an email, noting the potential for the region. He also wrote that the tourism sector needs government support, tourism infrastructure, and more investment from the private sector to ensure the industry is sustainable. Better access to Bamiyan by air is also critical, as accessing the city by road from Kabul is extremely dangerous.                                                   

The Wild Wakhan Corridor

One of the last truly remote and pristine locations on earth, the Wakhan Corridor is home to the 4,200 square miles of Wakhan National Park. The park has rare and varied wildlife. Ecotourism would support the local communities, who are closely involved in the park’s management.

The Wakhan is so remote that it has remained relatively insulated from the conflict. The remoteness also makes it a stunningly beautiful region, attractive for any hearty adventure traveler or wildlife enthusiast.

Adventure traveler Matthew Karsten told me about his journey to the Wakhan Corridor, saying “I believe there is great potential for future ecotourism in Afghanistan. It’s a beautiful country and could certainly benefit from sustainable tourism business models while providing a very memorable experience for visitors. After traveling to many different countries over the years, it has remained one of my favorites!”

Post-Conflict Tourism, Peacebuilding, and Afghanistan

The development of tourism sectors following armed conflicts can support peacebuilding and environmental conservation by providing livelihoods, if carefully planned with the well-being of the community and environment in mind.  For example, birdwatching tours have provided much needed livelihoods in post-conflict Colombia following the 2016 peace agreements—this example could provide lessons learned for Afghan tourism companies as they grow. I hope to be amongst the first tourists to visit Bamiyan once Afghanistan is post-COVID-19 and post-conflict!