Overview
- Somaya Moniry, 24, became one of Afghanistan’s first female professional tour guides, hosting all-women groups through Kabul’s museums and historic sites.
- Tour operators such as Koryo Tours organize women-only tours that include visits to women’s centers and private cooking and embroidery classes unavailable to male travelers.
- Foreign visitors from China, Europe and beyond report feeling safe and welcomed on these tours, even as Western governments advise against travel.
- The Taliban government has streamlined tourist visas and restored flights connecting Kabul with hubs like Dubai and Istanbul to boost tourism revenue.
- Severe restrictions on women’s education, movement and work persist under the Taliban, prompting ethical debates over engaging with Afghanistan’s tourism sector.