Bamiyan Reports Over 517,000 Tourists This Solar Year, Up 2.5-Fold From Last Year

Local officials in Bamiyan province say more than 517,000 domestic and foreign tourists have visited the province's historical and recreational sites since the beginning of the current solar year, marking a two-and-a-half-fold increase compared to last year's nearly 200,000 visitors.

Sayed Ahmad Zia Kazemi, head of Bamiyan's Tourism Department, told TOLOnews: "This year, 517,446 tourists have visited Bamiyan's recreational sites, including 2,278 foreign visitors." Officials noted the significant rise compared to previous years and said efforts are underway to further develop the tourism industry.

However, challenges persist, including poor road conditions to historical and recreational sites, a shortage of tour guides and insufficient facilities.

Visitor Hamidullah Rezai said after visiting the Bamiyan Buddha statues area: "Today we visited the Bamiyan Buddha statues area, but I must say the roads are in very poor condition and cause difficulties for people."

Another tourist, Salman Husseini, said: "When a tourist arrives and is accompanied by a guide, it attracts more attention. People should be provided with information about the history of the area and its historical sites."

Cultural affairs experts emphasized the need for improved facilities in accommodation, roads and public services to sustain tourism growth and attract more foreign visitors. Abdulali Shafaq, a cultural activist in Bamiyan, said: "If roads are not constructed and people are not provided with various services, including telecommunications, the number of tourists will decrease."