MAIDAN SHAHR (Pajhwok): A number of Polish tourists, who recently travelled to central Maidan Wardak province, have praised Afghanistan’s natural beauty, security and the hospitality of its people.
Meanwhile, local residents have called for greater facilities to support the growth of tourism.
Speaking to the media, the tourists said they arrived in Afghanistan around two weeks ago and had already visited several provinces.
They said they had travelled through Kabul, Laghman, Nangarhar, Kunar and Nuristan and had now reached Bamyan. From there, they plan to visit Ghazni province before returning to Poland.
Among the visitors, 51-year-old doctor Derrick said: “We are very happy to be in Afghanistan. The nature here is beautiful and the people treat us very well. We are travelling by bicycle and trying to visit different provinces of the country.”
He added: “We had only heard Afghanistan’s name in connection with wars. Decades of conflict took place here, and we imagined it would be a heavily damaged country. But now that we are here, it feels as though no such problems ever occurred.”
Derrick urged the Afghan authorities to provide more facilities for tourists to encourage greater numbers of foreign visitors to travel to the country. He also called for the removal of the letters of permission that tourists are required to obtain from the capital before travelling to different provinces, saying the process consumes a great deal of time.
Another tourist, 60-year-old Zbyszek, said: “I have visited more than 20 countries around the world, but I really liked Afghanistan.”
He said they had initially been concerned because the country had only recently emerged from years of conflict and they feared foreign tourists might face difficulties.
“Now I am pleased that I came. I will try to convey a positive image of this country and encourage others to visit Afghanistan as tourists,” he added.
Meanwhile, some residents of Maidan Wardak said the number of domestic and foreign tourists visiting the province had increased in recent months, which could have a positive impact on the local economy and business sector.
They called on the government and relevant institutions to expand recreational sites, accommodation facilities and other services for visitors.
A local resident, Mohammad Zafar, told Pajhwok: “Tourists are coming here in increasing numbers. If suitable recreational facilities and services are developed, it will create employment opportunities for local people and attract even more visitors to the province.”
Mawlawi Habibullah Mujahid, Director of Information and Culture in Maidan Wardak, said thousands of domestic and foreign tourists had visited the province’s historical and natural attractions this year.
According to him, visitors have travelled to Hesa-i-Awal Behsud, Markazi Behsud and Jalrez districts, as well as the Sanglakh Valley, Chak Dam, the provincial museum and other historical sites.
He said efforts were underway to promote tourism in the province and provide additional facilities for visitors.
Maidan Wardak, known for its mountainous landscapes, green valleys, natural scenery and cool springs, is gradually establishing itself as one of Afghanistan’s notable tourist destinations.
hz
