Afghanistan Sees Rise in Foreign Tourists Visiting Historical Sites

The National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA) said that nearly 200 foreign tourists have visited Afghanistan’s historical sites in the past month.

The authority also reported the entry and exit of more than 2,400 foreign nationals to the country over the past month.

“Our figures show that in the month of Dalwa of the current solar year, 2,465 entries and exits of foreign nationals to the country have been recorded. The registered figures indicate that foreigners have come to Afghanistan to visit historical sites and for work,” said Mohammad Halim Rafi, the spokesperson for the NSIA.

Tourism, as one of the world’s largest industries, is a primary source of income for many countries.

“The issuance of visas and travel procedures should be facilitated, and in addition, security must be well ensured so that they can visit various places,” said Shafiullah Ghalib, a cultural affairs expert.

 “The protection and preservation of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage is crucial. Alongside this, tourism is a very important sector. I hope that the Ministry of Information and Culture can secure a good budget from the tourism industry,” said Faqir Maiwand, former advisor to the Ministry of Information and Culture.

The Ministry of Information and Culture has announced that since the beginning of the current solar year, around 7,700 foreign tourists have visited the country’s historical sites.

These tourists have mostly traveled to the provinces of Bamyan, Kandahar, Ghazni, Balkh, and Nuristan, indicating foreigners’ interest in Afghanistan’s historical and cultural attractions.