A Land Like No Other: Afghanistan’s Post-Conflict Ecotourism Potential

Apr 23, 2021 | Elizabeth B. Hessami
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Stunning cobalt-blue lakes with natural travertine dams in Band-e-Amir, the pristine, soaring Pamir Mountains, through which some of the world’s last snow leopards prowl—far from the simplistic, violent, and drab images preferred by the media, Afghanistan is a beautiful and multifaceted nation. Lonely Planet once described Afghanistan as a “vastly appealing country.” Having married into an Afghan family many years ago, I can attest that the culture is also extremely hospitable. Welcoming tourists to visit their beautiful nation is a logical extension of the Afghan culture. 

With such a rich and hospitable culture and unparalleled natural beauty, the post-conflict development of a responsible and sustainable tourism sector could benefit Afghanistan—especially in more remote areas. Before the wars and COVID-19, in the 1970’s, over 100,000 tourists per year visited Afghanistan. But there is hope for an end to the pandemic, and as of March, COVAX vaccines began to be administered. There is also some hope for a successful peace process.