Tourist arrivals in central Afghan province of Bamyan have declined 30 percent, local officials said.
The decline is driven in large part by insecurity on Maidan Wardak-Bamyan and Ghorband Valley.
A total of 3,727 tourists visited Bamyan over the last five months, according to the provincial director of information and culture.
Bamyan possess some of the world’s most renowned archaeological sites from the fifth century.
The province is well-known for the two giant standing Buddha into the valley’s cliff faces, which were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. There are 16 other historical areas in the valley.
The national park of Band-e-Amir is also located in Bamyan province. It is a series of six deep blue lakes separated by natural dams made of travertine, a mineral deposit.
Tourists can boat only in Haibat lake.
Homes around Gholghola, the 13th century city in the province, which was conquered by Genghis Khan, have been ruined. However, Italy has committed to fund restoration of the historic homes.
“This province offers a good opportunity for Afghanistan’s development. You can take advantage of good opportunities. I am here to visit this beautiful place. The beauty of this place is fantastic,” a female tourist from Philippine said.
