Afghanistan might not be your first choice for a holiday, but the number of tourists coming to Herat Province is growing.
Last year there was a 60% increase in the number of tourists to the area.
Many travel websites describe travel in Afghanistan as ‘extremely dangeorus’ but Herat is considered the safest province in the country, despite a series of bombs and suicide attacks.
More and more international tourists are flocking to visit the historic sites, the mosques and mausoleums in the city of Herat. And the growing level of tourism brings jobs for local people.
But security is still a concern.
Ekhtiyarodin Palace in Herat province is surrounded by high walls built 900 years ago.
It was once the country’s centre of military command and Islamic teaching.
Everyday dozens of tourists come to visit the palace and its 13 towers.
Italian archaeologist, 40-year old Alex Ricci, is here with his colleagues.
“I have 20 years of experience in archaeology but I haven’t seen this kind of historical palace yet. But during our visit here, we had some problems, like transportation, discount problems in the hotel and I and my colleagues can’t have any insurance. Unfortunately due to security issue, we can’t go to many palaces in Herat. Everytime we ask for taxi to go there, they say, because we’re foreigner, they can’t take responsibility. When I get back to my home country, I want to make a group of people interested to go to Afghanistan and come back to visit again.”
In the 1970s, tourism was a significant business in Afghanistan, with more than 120 thousand tourists visiting each year, generating millions of dollars in income for Afghans.
Since then, the civil war and high levels of insecurity in the country have deterred tourists from visiting Afghanistan.
The city of Herat, which is one of the oldest in the country, has survived periods of conflict, including the struggle against the Taliban.
But the war has destroyed many of its historic icons.
With the help of international funding, some of the historical sites have been reconstructed.
Some of these are soon expected to be nominated as UNESCO world heritage sites.
Ahmad Ehsan Sarweryar, Chief of the local cultural office says they’re now ready to welcome tourists.
“Ekhtiyarodin Palace has been reconstructed and many people are coming here. There was an increase of 60% of tourists last year.
Most of the tourists are from the US, Tajikistan, Europe or Hindustan countries. We have prepared hotels, taxis, guides and other facilities for them. We also want to increase the number of tourists coming by providing a better transportation system. For example, preparing transportation to and from Herat for tourists.”
While visiting the city, tourists also flock to the antique markets to buy a range of handicrafts, from necklaces to swords.
Vendors say that tourists like Afghan local products such as clothes, hand-made bags and jewellery.
55-year old Haji Muhammad Omer sells Afghani garments and bags. He says business is good now.
"Our sales have increased. I’m very happy with that. Foreigners are coming to our shop and buying some antiques from us. If the number of tourists continues to increase, handicraft products in the province will improve as well.”
8-year old Muhammad Zaki is selling bulani, pockets of fried Afghan bread filled with vegetables.
“I had no job but when I saw that more tourists were visiting Herat’s historical places, I started baking bulani near the Palace. Now every day I sell more than 100 bulanis. It’s a good source of income for me.”
But security is still a big concern for the government in boosting the tourism industry. Heavy security is still present in some areas.
There has been a series of roadside bombs, suicide attacks and kidnappings in the province.
Mohayudin Noori is the spokesperson for the Herat provincial government.
“Yes, security is an important issue for us. We’re happy to provide security for tourists in Herat. We coordinate with the Culture and
Tourism Department in Herat to have a police patrol in tourist areas. That’s why we put security around Herat’s historical places.”
Despite the tight security, 37-year old American Monica Linda says she’s really enjoying her visit.
“It’s my first time here. Wow it’s beautiful, very vibrant and very pretty. Oh no problem, it has been very welcome, no problem I feel very safe.”
