Bamiyan or Bust! Afghanistan Hopes to Lure Tourists with History, Peace

Instead of taking a standard vacation to Disney World or the Greek islands this summer, why not spend some time in Afghanistan? Officials in the war-torn country are hoping westerners will consider visiting its many peaceful areas, where gems of history have lured travelers for generations. An interesting Reuters story points out that Bamiyan is filled with World Heritage Sites, including the remains of the famous Bamiyan Buddhas (pictured) that were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.

The head of the new Bamiyan Ecotourism Program said that the area needs to do a better job promoting its many cultural and natural attractions, such as a nearby cascade of lakes that recently became Afghanistan's first national park. Funded by New Zealand, the program seeks to develop a system of small guest houses and tour guide services in the region in a bid to provide a tourism infrastructure.

After all, tourism in Afghanistan has a long history, going back to the earliest trekkers on the Khyber Pass and continuing through the Hippie Trails of the 1960's, when shaggy-haired travelers would hang out in Kabul smoking hash and seeking enlightenment. While it's unlikely that the country will see a major influx of tourists until the war ends, its more peaceful corners represent a great opportunity for travelers bold enough to make the journey.

[Photo: BBC]

Related Stories:
· Next Hot Tourist Destination: Afghanistan? [Reuters/New York Times]
· Dangerous Travel Coverage [Jaunted]

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