26 May 2011 – International and Afghan investors flocked to Bamyan this week for a conference to strengthen eco-tourism and adventure sports, while also discussing ways to build up the transportation and tourist logistics
in the city.

“Tourism will be sustainable income of development for Bamyan citizens,” said Bamyan Provincial Governor Habiba Sarabi who opened the three day conference planned by the provincial government with stakeholders from the
private sector, non-government organizations, and donors.

“For us, this is a great day. It is incredible. I assure you that Bamyan is  a good place for secure investments. I hope that next time, you could all bring at least 10 people with you, at least as tourists,” she added.

Governor Sarabi and Bamyan’s tourism sector leaders started the conference on Monday by presenting the province’s tourism-related achievements, including the proclamation of the famous Band-e-Amir Lakes as a protected area, and the entire Bamyan Valley as Afghanistan’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site after the minarets in Herat.

Bamyan is also training tour guides to bring tourists around the province’s famous sites – including the now empty Buddha caverns – and Bamyan University has since established a tourism faculty.

For its part, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which has a field office in Bamyan, is developing walking trails in consultation with local communities along the identified routes.

The conference also focused on improving visitor services like accommodations, guiding services, skiing instructors, and staff capacity development in tourism services including hotel management and others.

By UNAMA Central Highlands Region