Afghanistan, a country long marked by decades of armed conflict, faces a critical humanitarian crisis with over 2 million widows and 1.5 million orphans. Recent reports show that the vast majority—about 85 percent—of the Afghan population survive on less than a dollar a day. The United Nations sheds light on this alarming state of affairs. These tumultuous years have seen record increases in tourism. In 2023, the country received 7,000 international tourists – a surge from just 691 in 2021. This trend begs some key questions. What does that mean for travel to a nation that continues to wrestle with deep security and human rights challenges?
The Taliban’s hardline regime has introduced severe restrictions on women entering the workforce, heightening child labor threats throughout Afghanistan. Despite warnings against travel from governments like Australia’s, some tour guides like Paris Hailwood promote visiting Afghanistan as a means to inject much-needed tourism dollars into the local economy. This contrast between burgeoning tourism and brutal reality creates a paradoxical portrait of life in Afghanistan as the Taliban mark two years in power today.
Government Warnings and Safety Concerns
The Australian government has provided unequivocal advice not to travel to Afghanistan. The security situation there is terribly insecure, characterized by acute risk of terrorism and kidnapping. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller website states, “Do not travel to Afghanistan due to the extremely dangerous security situation and the very high threat of terrorism and kidnapping.” It further notes, “There are no Australian officials in Afghanistan, and our ability to provide consular and passport assistance is severely limited.”
In March 2024, a devastating suicide attack targeted the Bamiyan market. The Islamic State took responsibility for the attack, which killed three Spanish tourists and three Afghans. Such incidents serve as tragic reminders to the present danger that await travelers who visit Afghanistan. Some creators and influencers are flouting these caveats. They argue that the Taliban’s regime has, paradoxically, made for better security across the board—at least in the places they control.
An anonymous source stated, “The people causing trouble before are now the people in power. So it’s within their own interest, really, to keep you safe.” Yet, this cynical perspective is consistent with how too many in the federal government have viewed human rights advocates. They emphasize the need to deeply interrogate the existing socio-political context.
The Role of Travel Influencers
These days, travel influencers are taking on Afghanistan. They paint wondrous pictures of the country while conveniently omitting its grimmer truths. Nasima Kakae, former employee of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Women’s Affairs, speaks out against them. That’s why she thinks these influencers are giving people a misleading impression. She asserts, “They go to the beautiful hotels, they are escorted by the Taliban … have they knocked on the doors of a [shut-down] school?”
Our membership could not be more passionate about this sentiment – that we take exceptions. They contend that travel content often showcases only the magical experiences, overlooking important topics such as women’s rights and child labor. Nawid Cina, vice president of an advocacy group that publicly focuses on social issues, underscores a practical point. He continues, “In a lot of travel videos, you’re always overwhelmed by kids coming and surrounding travelers, laughing and smiling — it’s just like innocent, organic joy. What’s the story behind these kids? Why are they outside? And who are they kidding trying to shine your shoe?
To really understand the war, Cina believes you need to go to Afghanistan and see it for yourself. Visitors need to experience the country’s authentic culture not just crafted tourist hotspots. “If you’re coming to Afghanistan, you need to be showed this reality,” he states.
Alternative Support for Afghan Communities
While some advocate for tourism as a means of economic support, others argue that there are more constructive ways to help Afghan communities without putting individuals at risk. Ayesha Khan, senior research fellow, says we need to direct our efforts towards enabling activities that generate income. She argues that investing in foreign women’s education and job programs would be much more beneficial in the long run. She remarks, “On one hand, you appreciate the interest in engaging with another culture and seeing how people live and wanting to spend your foreign currency in a country that you know to be poor.”
Khan’s perspective is further backed by Dr. Khan who cautions against legitimizing the Taliban regime through support for tourism. By channeling funds into education and community support initiatives from outside Afghanistan, advocates believe they can create lasting change without compromising safety.
Hailwood contends that tourism can offer the quickest influx of funds to local people in dire financial straits. He states, “I know it’s controversial, but the Taliban have been able to provide some security.” He acknowledges that his contribution through tourism is minimal: “My $80 visa fee isn’t going to fund all those activities.”
