As the year comes to a close, CGTN asked our partners across the Global South to share the stories on events that have significantly impacted their nations. In Afghanistan, a notable resurgence in international tourism is underway, fueled by improved security. This report comes from Afghanistan’s STR News.
WAIS RAHMAN NOORMAL Journalist, STR News “In a land where history rises from every stone, and beauty stretches far ahead of horizon, Afghanistan a country that has passed through decades of war and conflict is now opening a new chapter, a chapter which invites the world to see it with fresh eyes. Visiting of Afghanistan potential is quietly reemerging. From ancient cities to historic village and breathtaking natural landscapes, this country once again capturing the curiosity of travelers who seek authenticity and adventure.”
In a country known for its timeless beauty and ancient culture, a new story is taking shape, a story that is bringing Afghanistan back onto the map for travelers from around the world. After years of challenges, the nation is embracing a fresh chapter, one defined by stability, hospitality, and a growing interest in its remarkable heritage.
Today, foreign visitors are once again exploring Afghanistan’s most iconic destinations the blue lakes of Bamyan, the ancient monuments of Ghazni, the spiritual landscapes of Balkh, and the untouched forests of Nuristan. Their journeys reflect a global curiosity to experience a land rich in culture.
ELLEN American Tourist “My name is Ellen. I’m from United States currently in North Carolina. I think so I felt very safe the whole time, everyone is helpful and really nice and I have not felt unsafe. I think because they see that they’re really nice to each other but everyone is so nice to me and welcoming, even though I’m just a stranger so everyone’s been really nice and I don’t feel like I’m being treated differently and feel like I’ve been treated like I guest by people that I don’t even know, it’s been really nice. Come to Afghanistan, this is beautiful and everyone is so nice and you see people and beautiful places.”
According to recent statistics, nearly 200 foreign tourists visited historical sites in just one month, and more than 2,400 entries and exits were recorded during that period. These numbers show that Afghanistan is steadily gaining the attention of adventurous travelers seeking authenticity and discovery.
This improved security has become the strongest reason for visitors to choose Afghanistan today. Visitors are welcomed with kindness and respect.
The government has made the process simple. Tourist visas are quick and easy to obtain, and flights from major transit hubs operate several times a week.
Hotels, restaurants, and transport services are expanding. While the industry is still developing, every year brings more facilities, more guides, and more hospitality centers ready to serve international guests.
KHABIB GHUFRAN Spokesperson, Ministry of Information and Culture “After ordering the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan from 2021 until today we have the lot number of tourist that they are coming to Afghanistan. We have a few, I mean clear reason for that, a good security situation up to the costless trip, and up to the very, very natural beauty situation of Afghanistan, also our long history, we have around 5000 years history background. These reasons stand together to make this situation, the number of tourists, increased with us. Before there were no facilities for them because we didn’t have the tourist in Afghanistan before that Islamic Emirate because of fights, because the situation wasn’t normal, after that we start from there, I mean from the visa facilities up to the translator, transportation, tourist guide and also building the hotels, I mean the standard hotels. We developed this area to have the good facilities for the tourist if they want to face with the kind people of Afghanistan, come here in a very good security situation, they can come to Afghanistan. We will provide the situation for them without any tension. They can have a good trip in our country.”
Afghanistan is positioning itself as one of the world’s most unique travel destinations, a place where history, adventure, and culture come together in a way found nowhere else.
