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Afghanistan’s Taliban government has unveiled plans to bolster the country’s tourism industry, Sputnik Afghanistan reported on May 6.
According to a report released by the Taliban government’s statistics department, from April 2023 to April 2024, a total of 14,478 men and 675 women with foreign citizenship entered Afghanistan. This influx of tourists represents a notable increase, suggesting a positive change in the tourism landscape.
Habib Ghafran, spokesman for the Ministry of Information and Culture of the Taliban, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of tourists throughout Afghanistan. He asserted that since the Taliban assumed power, measures have been implemented to facilitate travel to all regions of the country, with cooperation from security personnel to ensure the safety of travelers.
Ghafran affirmed, “Security is ensured in the country. There is no need to take any special security measures in this area.”
Addressing concerns about budget allocations for tourism initiatives, Ghafran outlined the Ministry of Culture’s goals of developing the tourist sector in alignment with international standards and norms. He highlighted ongoing projects aimed at improving infrastructure, such as the construction of standard roads connecting tourist destinations across Afghanistan.
Crucially, Ghafran emphasized that all tourists, regardless of nationality, are treated equally under Taliban governance. He underscored that the government’s policies prioritize the safety and well-being of all visitors, affirming that every foreign tourist can expect to be treated according to the same principles and enjoy the freedom to explore the country before returning to their respective nations.
Looking ahead, Ghafran expressed optimism about the potential for further growth in Afghanistan’s tourism industry. While exact projections for tourist numbers remain uncertain, he noted a significant increase in visitors compared to the previous year. Ghafran indicated that Afghanistan is capable of accommodating more tourists and suggested that the government may consider implementing measures to manage tourist influxes if necessary.
