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IN SHORT
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Western visitors: the Taliban turn their back on isolation thanks to tourism
Since their return to power in August 2021, the Taliban have sought to restore an image of legitimacy on the international stage. One of the means they are considering to mitigate their isolation is the development of tourism. Indeed, statistics show a notable increase in the number of visitors to Afghanistan, rising from 691 in 2021 to 7000 in 2022. This article explores this paradoxical dynamic that ties an extremist regime to the quest for a tourist influx, while examining the socio-economic and security realities of the country.
An economic necessity in the face of international isolation
Afghanistan, under the Taliban regime, is facing a serious economic crisis, exacerbated by natural disasters. The country ranks among the poorest in the world and relies heavily on humanitarian aid. Thus, attracting foreign tourists represents an opportunity for the regime to generate essential revenue. Recent figures indicate that despite the dangerous security conditions, the number of tourists continues to increase. This raises questions about the true motivations of visitors: are they attracted by a preserved nature or by the desire to discover an unknown culture?
The contrast between security and violence
It is undeniable that the security situation in Afghanistan remains concerning. The Taliban regime is often associated with violence and obscurantism. Recent attacks claimed by ISIS, which killed several tourists, highlight the inherent risks of traveling in the country. Nevertheless, despite these dangers, the Taliban government shows a willingness to ensure the safety of visitors. This attitude is largely perceived as a means to attract curious clientele, often from Western countries, while legitimizing their authority on the ground.
A cultural landscape under control
Culturally, the Taliban have reintroduced strict norms, visibly affecting the daily lives of Afghan women and tourists. Public space is carefully regulated, and women are forced to adhere to a strict dress code. The regime controls not only security but also the image of the country, masking certain aspects of Afghan life that could deter Western visitors. Human faces are absent from all advertisements, and the representation of daily life is often contingent on compliance with their ideology.
Challenges and hopes for sustainable tourism
The development of tourism in Afghanistan presents significant challenges. While the figures indicate an upward trend, tourist infrastructures remain limited. Moreover, the external perception of the country as a high-risk destination could hinder its appeal to adventurers. Nevertheless, initiatives are emerging aimed at promoting cultural circuits and authentic experiences, showcasing Afghanistan’s historical and natural riches.
An ambivalent communication strategy
For the Taliban regime, betting on tourism is also a way to reposition itself on the international stage. They seek to attract the attention of Western media by assuring that the country is now stable, despite ongoing tensions. In this context, highlighting responsible tourism becomes an essential communication strategy. In doing so, the Taliban attempt to create an attractive events calendar in order to project an image of modernity and openness, while concealing daily violence and human rights abuses.
Through this tourism dynamic, the Taliban are trying to turn their back on the isolation that has weighed on Afghanistan since their return to power. However, this mechanism rests on fragile grounds, between promises of security, realities of violence, and economic issues. While statistics may reflect an encouraging trend, the challenges related to the external perception of the country as well as the situation of human rights remain major concerns in this quest for openness.
