Several tourists visiting Nuristan say that the Taliban collect money from them at the province’s entry gates, but this revenue is not being spent on improving tourism infrastructure and services. According to these tourists, if visitors are charged fees, basic facilities and services must be provided in return, including rest areas, health services, sanitation maintenance, and improved road networks. Some economic experts also say that collecting money from tourists can only be justified if this revenue is transparently reinvested in developing the tourism industry and improving Nuristan’s infrastructure. According to them, if that is not the case, such an action will be perceived by tourists as a form of extortion, capable of negatively affecting visitors’ perceptions and reducing the province’s appeal as a tourist destination.
Habib (pseudonym), one of the tourists, says the Taliban collect money from tourists at Nuristan’s entrance, but this revenue is not being spent on improving tourism facilities and services. He says, “Nuristan is one of the most beautiful and scenic provinces of Afghanistan, but its road network faces serious problems. To attract more tourists, especially foreign visitors, work must be done on developing infrastructure and improving services.” According to him, the Taliban collect between 200 and 500 Afghanis per vehicle as an entry fee at Nuristan’s entrance gate.
This tourist adds: “In exchange for this money, facilities such as rest areas, health services, and other necessary amenities should be provided for tourists, but so far no significant action has been taken in this regard.”
Shahab (pseudonym), one of the tourists who traveled to Nuristan two days ago, says that despite the Taliban collecting money from tourists, this revenue is not being spent on providing the facilities and services that visitors need.
This tourist adds: “When we entered Nuristan through the Parun gate, the Taliban took money from us, but after entering, we encountered a lack of adequate facilities. In my view, citizens of Afghanistan should not be charged in the first place to visit the country’s tourist areas, so that everyone can enjoy the country’s natural attractions and scenic sites.” According to him, if tourists are charged a fee, at least basic services and facilities should be made available to them.
Shahab says: “When people are charged money, facilities such as rest areas, health services, and other essential amenities should be provided in return. It is estimated that thousands of Afghani are collected through this means annually, but after nearly five years, no change in the state of Nuristan’s tourism facilities can be seen.”
Nadim (pseudonym), another tourist, says that to attract more visitors, tourism facilities and services in Nuristan must be developed. He adds, “Conditions must be created for greater attendance by both domestic and foreign tourists in Nuristan province. Installing waste bins, maintaining environmental cleanliness, improving welfare facilities, and providing the services needed by tourists can transform this province into a far more attractive destination for visitors.”
Meanwhile, Shekab (pseudonym), an economic expert, says that collecting money from tourists can only be justified if this revenue is reinvested in the development and improvement of Nuristan’s tourism infrastructure; otherwise, this action will be perceived by tourists as a form of extortion and will create a negative sentiment toward traveling to this province.
He says: “Collecting money from tourists does not, in itself, generate much controversy, especially if this revenue is transparently spent on rebuilding and developing Nuristan. Nuristan is a remote province, and most tourists who travel to this region have relatively good economic means. However, some tourists from neighboring provinces, or individuals who are not in a strong financial position, may choose other destinations such as Kunar and Laghman for their trips due to these fees.”
This economic expert emphasizes that revenue generated from tourism should be directed toward areas such as ensuring lasting security, developing infrastructure, especially road networks, protecting the environment, maintaining cleanliness at tourist sites, and supporting local communities. He says, “If local people do not benefit from tourism, they may gradually develop a negative view toward tourists. On the other hand, a lack of transparency in collecting and spending this revenue can erode the trust of both tourists and residents.”
Shekab adds: “A lack of transparency in how this money is spent reduces Nuristan’s appeal as a tourist destination, deters local investment, and can ultimately generate a sense of distrust and insecurity among tourists.”
Despite all of this, the absence of standard roads, a shortage of health services and facilities, weak telecommunications network coverage, and a lack of other basic infrastructure remain among the most pressing problems raised by residents and tourists alike.
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
عواید گردشگری نورستان؛ گردشگران: در بدل پول، هیچ خدماتی ارایه نمیشود
