Economy of Afghanistan - Tourism

Tourism

Tourism in Afghanistan was at its peak in 1977. Many tourists from around the world came to visit Afghanistan, including from India, neighboring Iran and Pakistan, the Soviet Union, Europe, North America and other places. All this ended with the start of the April 1978 Saur Revolution. It is expected that once the security situation is normal, Afghanistan will become a major tourist destination. Most westerners feel that Afghanistan is too dangerous for them to tour but the Afghan expatriates and those particularly from the Muslim world do not see it that dangerous.

The country has three international airports, including the Kabul International Airport, Kandahar International Airport and Herat International Airport. Mazar-i-Sharif Airport and Ghazni Airport are also being upgraded to become international in the coming years. The city of Kabul has many guest houses and hotels, including the Hotel Inter-Continental Kabul, Safi Landmark Hotel, and at least one 5-star Serena Hotel. A Marriott is under construction next to the U.S. Embassy.

Tourist sites within the country include:

• The ancient city of Kabul
  • Gardens of Babur
  • National Museum of Afghanistan
  • Paghman Gardens
  • Qargha and many other places
• Band-e Amir National Park in Bamyan
• The ancient city of Herat
  • Herat Citadel
• Minaret of Jam in the Shahrak District of Ghor Province
• Shrine of Hazrat Ali in Mazar-i-Sharif
• Shrine of the Cloak in Kandahar
• Mausoleums of Ghaznavid rulers in Ghazni
• Mausoleum of Amanullah Khan, Bacha Khan, and other sites in Jalalabad
• Site seeing at Parwan Province, (i.e. ancient town of Bagram), Panjshir Province (mausoleum of Ahmad Shah Massoud in Bazarak), Badakhshan Province, and other places.