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Kabul: An attack by the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group, which killed six foreign tourists in central Afghanistan, has severely impacted the country’s emerging tourism sector. Joe Sheffer, founder of the Safarat tourism agency, warned that another attack could devastate Afghanistan’s tourism industry.
Last Friday, gunmen killed six people, including three Spanish tourists, in Bamiyan Province. Four other foreigners were wounded. IS claimed responsibility for the assault, the first against foreign tourists since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
Bamiyan Province, home to the famous Buddhas destroyed in 2001 and the Band-e Amir lakes, is Afghanistan’s top tourist destination. Following the attack, Sheffer’s agency is reducing group sizes, canceling remote itineraries, and minimizing public exposure.
James Willcox, founder of the Untamed Border tour agency, acknowledged the negative impact of such attacks but noted that anti-government groups have always been a consideration for travelers in Afghanistan. Similarly, Noor Mohammad Ramazan of Let’s be Friends Afghanistan reported increased client concerns about safety but remained hopeful that tourism would continue.
Phakhaporn Thantadakul of Away Vacation tour agency in Bangkok is reconsidering a planned trip to Bamiyan, emphasizing the priority of security. French tourist Didier Goudant, a recent visitor to Bamiyan, expressed hesitation about returning.
The Taliban government, eager to boost tourism, faces challenges as Western governments advise against visiting Afghanistan. Despite limited infrastructure, the country’s landscapes and hospitality have drawn adventurers. Official figures show a 120% increase in visits to nearly 5,200 last year. However, Sheffer noted that the rapid growth has strained tour operators and infrastructure.
Following the attack, the Taliban arrested seven suspects and are likely to impose stricter regulations on tourists, making travel more cumbersome without necessarily preventing future attacks.
