Bamiyan Emerges as Afghanistan’s Fastest-Growing Tourism Hub

DID Press: Bamiyan is on track to emerge as one of Afghanistan’s key tourism hubs after local sources reported a 2.5-fold increase in visitor arrivals over the past year, marking a significant boost for the province’s tourism industry.

According to local data, tourism in Bamiyan has seen sharp growth driven primarily by a rise in domestic travel and growing interest in the province’s historical and natural attractions.

Bamiyan, long regarded as a major tourism destination in Afghanistan, offers a unique combination of heritage sites and distinctive landscapes. Key attractions include Band-e Amir National Park, its lush valleys, high mountain ranges, and the remains of the historic Bamiyan Buddhas, all of which have played a central role in drawing visitors.

The surge in tourism has had a tangible economic impact on the local economy. Market participants say increased travel has boosted activity in hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and handicraft vendors, creating new employment opportunities for local residents. Some shopkeepers report that sales during peak tourist seasons have risen markedly compared with last year.

Despite these gains, experts warn that inadequate infrastructure remains a major obstacle to sustainable tourism development. Shortages of standard hotels, weaknesses in transport networks, and limited amenities and services in some tourist areas continue to constrain growth and require targeted investment.

Local officials say efforts are underway to attract domestic investment and coordinate with relevant institutions to improve infrastructure and upgrade tourism services. They expressed hope that, if the current trend continues, Bamiyan will further consolidate its position as one of the country’s principal tourism centers.

The 2.5-fold rise in tourist numbers over the past year highlights the province’s strong potential to attract visitors and underlines tourism’s growing role in local economic and social development—capacity that, with strategic planning, could become a key engine of the local economy.