Kabul: The Ministry of Information and Culture has revealed that over 500 tourism companies have been officially licensed across Afghanistan in the past year, a move aimed at revitalizing the tourism sector and empowering private enterprise.
Khubaib Ghufran, the ministry’s spokesperson, noted that a total of 539 companies received operational permits during the last year. Of these, 25 were renewals, while the majority are newly established businesses entering the tourism market for the first time. “This initiative is designed to enhance the quality of services available to tourists and to foster growth within the travel and tourism sector,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Union of Tourism Companies in Kabul expressed its commitment to continually improve services for both local and international visitors. Ahmad Sair Rahimi, the Union's head, shared that more than 5,000 foreigners have toured Afghanistan recently and called on the government to further develop tourism infrastructure. “There is a pressing need for investment in national parks and public service facilities to better accommodate travelers,” Rahimi emphasized.
Experts highlight the broader economic benefits of a growing tourism sector. Economist Abdul Shakoor Hadaawal explained that tourism not only showcases Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage but also generates jobs for unemployed citizens.
Tourism firms in the country are primarily engaged in services such as airline ticketing, visa facilitation, and organizing travel packages for both Afghan and international clients.
Government data indicates that in the solar year 1403, approximately 7,700 foreign tourists visited Afghanistan’s historical and archaeological sites, signaling a growing interest in the nation's cultural attractions.
[Tolo News]
