Afghanistan took a step towards reviving its tourism industry with the opening of its first national park, Band-e-Amir in Bamyam province last week.   The park was opened with the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) which spent about $1 million (Dh 3.67 million) to develop it. 

Band-e-Amir consists of six deep blue lakes and a beautiful landscape dotted with snow covered mountain peaks. It is located in an immense plateau in the Hindu Kush mountains.  US Deputy Ambassador Ricciardone told the press after the opening ceremony the park will attract visitors from throughout Afghanistan, the region, and the world.  Wildlife Conservation Society President Steven Sanderson said “It is a park created for the new Afghanistan.”