The Taliban’s efforts to attract tourists to Afghanistan | Global News

Taliban-run Tourism Institute in Kabul Trains Men Amidst Restrictions on Women

In a Kabul classroom, around 30 men are part of the first student cohort at a Taliban-run institute training tourism and hospitality professionals. The students, ranging from a model to a 17-year-old with no job history, are eager to promote a different side of Afghanistan, despite the country’s pariah status on the global stage due to restrictions on women and girls.

Foreigners are increasingly visiting Afghanistan, drawn by the drop in violence, improved flight connections, and the allure of vacationing in an unusual destination. The numbers have been steadily rising, with 7,000 foreign tourists in 2021, 2,300 in 2022, and more expected this year.

While there are advantages like proximity to China and safety concerns in neighboring countries, there are also challenges. Visas are difficult to obtain, and many countries have severed ties with Afghanistan since the Taliban regained power. The country lacks direct flight routes to major tourist markets and faces infrastructure issues.

Despite the obstacles, Mohammad Saeed, head of the Tourism Directorate in Kabul, is determined to make Afghanistan a tourism powerhouse. The students at the institute share his aspirations, wanting to showcase Afghanistan’s history and picturesque spots to the world.

However, the absence of women at the institute and restrictions on their activities highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan society. As the country prepares for more overseas visitors, questions about cultural interactions and women’s rights remain at the forefront of the tourism industry’s efforts to promote responsible practices and mutual understanding.