Tourists are beginning to return to Afghanistan, drawn by a spirit of adventure and curiosity, with the Taliban authorities actively encouraging this resurgence despite ongoing international concerns. The slow revival of tourism has emerged as an unlikely economic opportunity for the country, which has been internationally isolated under Taliban rule and faces deepening poverty for its population of 41 million.
This development holds notable significance for Thai readers interested in tourism trends, geopolitics, and the role of travel amid complex ethical and security concerns. As foreign tourists trickle into Afghanistan—some arriving by plane, motorbike, camper van, or even bicycle—the government hopes the sector will provide much-needed revenue in a context where most forms of foreign investment have dried up. According to the Taliban’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, cited in a recent Associated Press interview, “tourism brings many benefits to a country… [and] we are optimistic this sector will evolve into a large economy, bringing significant benefits…. It plays an important role in strengthening our national economy.” (AP News).
Afghanistan remains a country shaped by its history of conflict, with four decades of war deterring most visitors. Still, since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, the end of the insurgency has brought a decrease in some forms of violence, and the government is keen to tout a new era of “comprehensive security.” Yet, a significant risk persists: attacks by extremist groups have not been eliminated, as tragically demonstrated by the killing of three Spanish tourists and three local Afghans in Bamiyan—site of the destroyed Buddha statues—in May 2024.
Despite danger and warnings from most Western governments against travel to Afghanistan, nearly 9,000 foreigners visited the country last year, with nearly 3,000 tourists arriving during the first quarter of 2025, based on figures from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Tourism. Visas are described as quick and easy to obtain, with regular flights from transit hubs like Dubai and Istanbul. There is evidence of a growing hospitality infrastructure: the Taliban authorities have even opened a tourism training institute for men, aiming to professionalize services and expand the sector, though this reflects broader gender-based restrictions in Afghanistan.
For Thai travelers, the Afghan experience raises a host of practical and ethical questions. On a practical level, the prospect of adventure tourism in Afghanistan—exploring rugged mountains, deep gorges, and ancient historical sites—appeals to a global trend where experienced travelers seek out destinations off the typical tourist map. Culturally, Afghanistan’s rich history, from Silk Road routes to imperial conquests, has parallels with Southeast Asia’s own legacy as a crossroads of civilizations.
However, ethical considerations loom large. Critics highlight the morality of visiting Afghanistan as tourists when local women and girls face sweeping restrictions: education opportunities are largely barred beyond primary school, most professions are closed to women, entry to parks and gyms is forbidden, and face coverings are strongly encouraged, if not mandated, by authorities. Beauty salons are closed, and the freedom to choose one’s clothing is heavily restricted. Some travelers, such as a French-Peruvian–British couple recently cited by international media, reflected that their presence might seem “morally wrong,” but concluded that travel could directly benefit Afghan people rather than the Taliban government: “By traveling, you put money in the hands of the people, not the government,” the British traveler said.
The Taliban leadership, for its part, insists it welcomes male and female visitors, provided they “respect our laws and traditions.” Interestingly, while many of the restrictions imposed on Afghan women remain in force, they are much less strictly applied to foreign women, who are usually allowed more leeway regarding dress codes and access to sites.
In a broader sense, the Taliban now frame tourism as not just an economic tool but also as a means of “building bridges”—a theme echoed by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, who noted tourism’s ability to “promote interaction between the people of different countries,” foster “mutual understanding, cultural exchange,” and “strengthen talents as people learn from one another… [so] this is not just economic development; it also brings spiritual and political benefits.” Such rhetoric acknowledges tourism’s multifaceted role in shaping international perceptions and relationships.
For Thailand, a nation whose own economy and soft power are significantly influenced by tourism, the Afghan case poses both inspiration and warning. Thailand has proven over decades that tourism can drive economic growth, nurture cross-cultural ties, and support national development—a model Afghanistan appears keen to replicate, if under far more challenging conditions. At the same time, Thailand’s careful balancing of tourism growth with cultural preservation and social rights invites comparison to Afghanistan’s much rockier path, complicated by ongoing instability and global scrutiny of its human rights record.
Thailand’s tourism professionals, educators, and policymakers may see in Afghanistan’s current experience a reminder of the power and pitfalls of opening national doors to global travelers. Thai academic and industry sources have often commented on the importance of safety, inclusivity, and ethical considerations in tourism development—values which are being tested in Afghanistan now.
Looking forward, the future of Afghan tourism is far from assured. The security situation remains fragile, and the sector’s growth could stall or reverse with any renewed violence or high-profile attacks. International recognition of the Taliban regime is still absent, and ethical travel debates will persist as long as fundamental rights are denied to significant segments of the Afghan population. Nonetheless, the allure of unexplored landscapes and authentic cultural encounters will continue to draw some adventurous travelers, even as they weigh the risks and responsibilities of their journeys.
For Thai readers considering Afghanistan as a destination or reflecting on its path, the most practical advice is caution. Stay informed via official warnings, consult with specialized tour operators familiar with the country, and assess the ethical dimensions of travel choices in dialogue with up-to-date local and international perspectives. Thai tourism stakeholders can also learn from this case by continuing to advocate for inclusive, ethical, and sustainable tourism practices—a principle with global resonance.
Source: Associated Press