[Tolo News] Residents of Bamiyan...a place in Afghanistan that used to have some historically interesting statues of the Buddha carved into a mountainside. Then the holy men showed up and now all they have is some big holes...
province have raised concerns over insecurity and the election impasse, asserting that the two issues have decreased the number of foreign and domestic tourists to the province.
Bamiyan residents--many of whom acquire most of their income from tourism-- have stated that travel to the province has decreased dramatically in the past month.
Moreover, according to the tour guides and employees of the Provincial Culture Department, most tour guides end their days without giving tours.
"Only few tourists—about 10 foreigners and few domestics—visit Bamiyan in a month," Mairaj, a tourist guide said. "It used to be much more in the past."
Residents are concerned about the economy of the province, as it is highly dependent on tourism.
"Obviously tourism affects us," Bamiyan resident, Naimatullah, said. "Our businesses are dependent on tourists."
Some residents accuse the government of neglecting the issue.
"The Bamiyan sculptures are unique in the world but the government does not care about promoting them," resident Abbas said.
The main tourist attractions in the province are the ruins of the Buddha statues and the ancient towns of Gholghola and Zakhak.
Before the Taliban destroyed the Buddhas, the government and the residents had great income through foreign and domestic tourism. Bamiyan residents emphasize that the government should invest more in the province to rescue its economy.
Additionally, residents asserted that insecurity is a main reason for the lack of tourism in the province.
"Foreign tourists do not like to travel by land and only a few decide to travel by air," Bamiyan resident, Sayed Mohammad Hussaini, said. "The reasons are insecurity and the uncertainty of election results."