A group of tourists from Italy visited Kabul, Ghor, Herat and Bamyan provinces last week.
They say that before coming to Afghanistan, they read interesting historical and cultural information about this Afghanistan on the Internet, and that’s why they tried to come to Afghanistan for visiting historical and cultural sites.
“I got information about Afghanistan from the Internet and I also researched it. I have read some parts of the history and geography of Afghanistan. My friends also have information about Afghanistan, so we were eager to visit it.” One of the tourists, Luka, said
These foreign tourists uttered that there is a wrong mindset about Afghanistan abroad, but according to them, they have seen the positive realities of the Afghan society with their own eyes during their trip.
Luca added: “Some Italians are interested in coming to Afghanistan. This is not my first time; it is my second time that I visit Afghanistan. Some people want to know about the realities in Afghanistan.”
Alexander Kaultrock is an Italian of Russian origin and before coming to Afghanistan, he was afraid of the behavior of the people.
However, Kaultrock now says that he can deeply understand the emotions and loving behavior of the people of Afghanistan.
He added: “I also heard about the hospitality of Afghans. I am very happy that I saw all this with my own eyes a few days ago.”
Although tourism is one of the sources of income for governments, it also increases the closeness of nations, cultural awareness and mutual understanding.
These Italian tourists are hopeful that the arrival of foreign tourists to Afghanistan will bring the Afghan nation closer to the world.
Tourist Razia says: “I hope that such trips will bring nations closer together. In case of returning to Italy, I will encourage people to go to Afghanistan for entertainment. This was a planned trip and we have taken pictures and videos. I will also encourage people in my own country and Turkey, because we have a common religion and culture. I feel here like my own home, because many traditions are familiar to me.”
Although the Ministry of Information and Culture did not disclose the exact number, it said that the arrival of foreign tourists to Afghanistan has increased.
People demand that the government should give full information to the foreign tourists about the cultural and historical facts of Afghanistan.
