Tourism Prospects in Bamiyan

Report by former ARCH Board Member Eli Sugarman

ARCH recently participated in The Bamiyan Tourism Investor Conference. Sponsored by the Afghan- American Chamber of Commerce, USAID and several other organizations, the purpose of the event was to discuss ways to increase tourism in Bamiyan, which would result in greater income and prosperity for the region, as well as increased awareness for the preservation of its historic sites. While the area is in need of various infrastructure improvements that will heighten the tourist experience, it is not short on natural beauty or historical significance. ARCH Secretary Eli Sugarman not only toured the remains of the Bamiyan Buddhas, but also was able to visit beautiful Band-i-Amir, Afghanistan’s first official National Park.
Bamiyan has enormous potential to attract tourists from across the globe, but at present there are several obstacles. The runway at the Bamiyan airport is not paved and the facilities are limited, which prevents an increase in the number of flights into the area. Hotel availability is on the rise, and several adventure tour and travel companies have been established, but electricity is spotty and restaurants and shops are few.
The hope is that in time, Bamiyan could become a year-round destination with hiking and tours of the stunning scenery and historic sites in the summer, and skiing and winter sports during the colder months. The ski industry is still in its early phases, currently without a ski lift and with only a handful of guides.
Even so, the area managed to attract over 100,000 domestic tourists in 2010. There are international visitors as well, so far mostly of the “adventure tourism” variety. Local officials and entrepreneurs have been creative, working to attract guests to festivals and other cultural events.