From spring offensive to charm offensive: The Taliban are working to woo tourists to Afghanistan

A Taliban-run tourism and hotel management institute has opened its doors to students. What they lack in hospitality experience, they make up for in their enthusiasm to promote a positive side of Afghanistan. The Taliban are happy to help. Afghanistan’s rulers are pariahs on the global stage. The economy is struggling, infrastructure is poor, and poverty is rife. Yet foreigners are visiting the country, encouraged by the sharp drop in violence, increased flight connections with hubs like Dubai, and the bragging rights that come with vacationing in an unusual destination. The numbers aren’t huge, but there’s a buzz around Afghan tourism.