Afghanistan touts its tourism business as younger influencers go to the Taliban-run nation

Nearly 4 years after Afghanistan fell to Taliban management, the Islamic nation is constant to welcome vacationers and seeing a latest journey enhance.

Taliban forces captured the capital metropolis of Kabul on Aug. 15, 2021, following the chaotic withdrawal of American troops below the Biden administration.  

Deputy Minister of Tourism Qudratullah Jamal informed The Associated Press (AP) lately that Afghanistan had almost 9,000 international guests final 12 months, with 3,000 vacationers within the first three months of this 12 months.

“Tourism brings many benefits to a country,” he stated. “We have considered those benefits and aim for our nation to take full advantage of them.”

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One of the primary Afghan feminine tour guides lately led a gaggle by the National Museum of Afghanistan – the group consisted of all girls.

Suzanne Sandral, an Australian within the group, informed AP she was stunned. “It’s not what I expected at all. I expected to feel rather fearful. I expected to be given a lot of … accusatory looks. Not at all.”

She stated, “Wherever you go in the streets, if you smile at someone and give them a little nod or say hello, you get a terrific response. So it’s very different.”

Another lady within the group posted movies of her latest journey in June on TikTok. She captioned a video, “Exploring the nuanced and complex lives of Afghan women in context, and exploring all this beautiful land has to offer.”

The U.S. Department of State, nevertheless, could be very clear. It lists journey to Afghanistan as “Travel Advisory Level 4: Do Not Travel” — warning of civil unrest, crime, terrorism, danger of wrongful detention, kidnapping and restricted well being amenities.

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“U.S. citizen travelers to Afghanistan have been wrongfully detained for months or even years,” stated a spokesperson. “We remind all U.S. citizen travelers that no adventure or vacation is worth the price of your freedom.”

Other traveler influencers and common vacationers have shared their experiences on social media – with most exhibiting the Taliban-run nation in a optimistic mild. 

A journey photographer posted a recap of her journey, saying she was “one of the first tourists to visit the country after the Taliban takeover.”

She added in a TikTok video that has been seen over 56,000 instances, “I was completely blown away by the incredible hospitality of the locals, amazing food and beautiful scenery.”

“No adventure or vacation is worth the price of your freedom.”

A well-liked solo traveler and social media creator posted a video of his journey to Afghanistan, writing, “I know a lot of people have mixed feelings about Afghanistan travel, but honestly, I had an amazing time there as a solo traveler.”

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Another TikTok video that amassed almost half one million likes exhibits an Australian traveler buying at a meals market.

“Some of the best food I have had in all my travels was in Afghanistan,” stated the video’s caption partially.

Manizha Bakhari, ambassador of Afghanistan to Austria, informed Fox News Digital the Taliban’s promotion of tourism is an try at “image management.”

“As someone who has lived and worked in Afghanistan, I can say this: What these female influencers experience is not representative of women’s lives in Afghanistan,” stated Bakhtari.

She added, “The Taliban treat foreign women differently, and often with exaggerated politeness, because they serve a purpose in the regime’s public relations strategy.”

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The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) launched its human rights report in May, mentioning that Afghan girls are being denied the chance to affix the workforce and are unable to entry companies and not using a male family member — whereas ladies are nonetheless disadvantaged of their proper to training.

The State Department wrote in its 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices doc that remedy of lady has turn into progressively worse. 

The new report acknowledged that there was “further restricted access to education, employment, and freedom of movement for women and girls – effectively removing them from public spaces.”

“By showcasing scenic landscapes and hospitality toward foreign visitors, especially influencers, they aim to create a narrative of stability and openness,” stated Bakhtari.

Bakhtari famous she’s seen a rising disconnect in international journey tradition relating to journey tourism.

“The thrill of visiting the ‘forbidden’ or ‘untouched’ often outweighs concern for human rights … [It] becomes a form of voyeurism, one that prioritizes personal experience over the realities of those who live under oppression.”

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Kelley Currie, former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Economic and Social Council, mentioned the hazard of visiting Afghanistan, saying Americans ought to “buy travel insurance.”

The United States is “unable to provide consular services if something happens, especially if they are kidnapped and sold or given to other extremist groups,” Currie informed Fox News Digital. 

Adam Duckworth, Travelmation’s president and founder, informed Fox News Digital that journey firms take State Department advisories “very seriously.”

“If you are considering travel to a location in the higher levels, then do your research to understand why those places are on those lists,” stated Duckworth.

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Bakhtari stated whereas Afghanistan is breathtakingly stunning, “beauty should not blind us to injustice.”

“Travel should open hearts, not close eyes.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.