Conference on Afghanistan’s top tourist draws begins

FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): In an effort to promote tourism in the country, a three-day national conference has got under way in northeastern Badakhshan province.

The event, attended by high ranking official of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), aims to spotlight top tourist attractions of the country and the capacity of its tourism industry

The conference began on Sunday at the campus of the Badakhshan University.

Deputy Prime Minister Maulvi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Minister of Higher Education Sheikh Neda Mohammad Nadeem, Minister of Economy Qari Din Mohammad Hanif and other official attended the inaugural ceremony.

Hanafi described Afghanistan as a country blessed with many tourist draws such as historic sites, good climate and high mountains.

He said: “The weather of northern Afghanistan is most suitable for tourism in the summer. Hot provinces are worth visiting in the winter season. The tourism industry can contribute millions of dollars in revenue to the economy of the country.”

Pointing to the current security environment, Hanafi urged Afghan expats to return home,

He also assured neighbours that no threat to them would be allowed to emanate from Afghanistan's territory. The deputy premier also urged the neighbours not to interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan.

Hanafi added the country would be connected to China in near future through the silk route in Wakhan valley.

Neda Mohammad Nedeem called the papers presented at the conference crucial to the tourism industry. “This conference itself and the papers presented about tourism would leave a positive impact on the tourism industry.”

Economy Minister Hanif characterised Afghanistan as the heart of Asia. From the tourism point of view, he said, every province of the country -- from Badakhshan to Kandahar -- had its own attractions.

Hanif said: “We want the tourism industry of Afghanistan to develop, benefit the economy, lure international tourists and share information about our culture and civilization with the world.”

Information and Culture Director Qari Salahuddin Qarizada called the conference an initiative of the Badakhshan University, supported by the Ministry of Higher Education.

Qarizada said: “We have launched this conference to institutionalism and develop the tourism industry in the country.

“There are many tourist attractions in Afghanistan, especially in Badakhshan. But unfortunately, they have not been popularised as required, This initiative seeks better introduction of the tourist attractions.”

University teachers presented 108 papers about the various aspects of tourism. The conference outcome will be shared with IEA officials to facilitate decisions on the development of tourism.

aw/mud