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However, some believe that responsible tourism could help alter the negative perception often associated with the war-torn nation.
Tourism booming under Taliban
Despite this, a growing number of influencers continue to visit, including Keith Sinclair, an American driving around the world in a muscle car.
Keith Sinclair (left) described having a “lovely first encounter” with the Taliban. Source: Instagram / sinclairs_search
In posts to his more than 300,000 Instagram followers, Sinclair is seen holding an assault rifle while posing beside Taliban members.
American YouTuber Addison Pierre Maalouf, with nearly two million subscribers, has exaggerated claims, telling viewers Afghan women “have more rights than men.”
Experts indicate that Afghanistan likely holds the worst women’s rights record globally since the Taliban regained power in August 2021. Source: AP / Ebrahim Noroozi
Another travel vlogger, Kieran Brown, encouraged his Instagram followers to book a “lads’ trip to Afghanistan”.
“Forget Ibiza or Marbella, why don’t you and the boys go to Afghanistan this summer?” he posted to his nearly 150,000 followers.
‘Very dark picture’
She was in India on a temporary scholarship when she heard about the fall of Kabul, destroying her plans to return home to her family.
Gul Afroz Mohammadi was forced to flee to Australia after the Taliban took over. Source: SBS News
The news came just before her final exam.
“[The Taliban] do not impose the same restrictions on these individuals that they do on ethnic minorities and women in Afghanistan. These YouTubers visit for a few days and assume it is always like that,” she stated.
Women-only tours
“That’s very much present and a part of the conversation.”
Paris Hailwood said her women-only tours to Afghanistan promote responsible tourism. Source: SBS News
Hailwood said it was important for people to form their own opinions about the country, noting she had been welcomed despite Australia’s involvement in the United States-led war.
