Afghanistan's Taliban woos foreign tourists
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) —
Around 30 men are crammed into a Kabul classroom, part of the debut student cohort at a Taliban-run institute training tourism and hospitality professionals.
It’s a motley crew. One student is a model. Another is 17 and has no job history.
The students vary in age, education level and professional experience. They’re all men — Afghan women are banned from studying beyond sixth grade — and they don’t know anything about tourism or hospitality. But they are all eager to promote a different side of Afghanistan. And the Taliban are happy to help.
Afghanistan’s rulers are pariahs on the global stage, largely because of their restrictions on women and girls. The economy is struggling, infrastructure is poor, and poverty is rife.
And yet, foreigners are visiting the country, encouraged by the sharp drop in violence, increased flight connections with hubs like Dubai, and the bragging rights that come with vacationing in an unusual destination. The numbers aren’t huge — they never were — but there’s a buzz around Afghan tourism.
Related articles
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Maryland ban on rifles known as assault weapons
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday declined, for now, to hear a challenge to a Maryland l2024-05-21Frank Stella, renowned American artist, dies at 87
NEW YORK (AP) — Frank Stella, a painter, sculptor and printmaker whose constantly evolving works are2024-05-21Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower peaks tonight with up to 50 shooting stars every hour
One of the fastest meteor showers of the year is nearly upon us, astronomers say. Up to 50 'shooting2024-05-21- Photos have revealed the state of Prince Andrew's 30-room mansion which has fallen into disrepair am2024-05-21
Liverpool confirms Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp's replacement
Arne Slot will take on one of the most daunting challenges in soccer by replacing Jurgen Klopp as Li2024-05-21ANDREW PIERCE: George Galloway has 'Red Queen' Angela Rayner in his sights
You may think she'd be dancing in the streets after the Tories suffered their worst local election r2024-05-21
atest comment