Unlocking the Tourism Potential of Mawlana Yaqoob Charkhi Valley in Charkh District, Logar Province, Afghanistan

Abstract

This research study examines the tourism potential of Mawlana Yaqoob Charkhi Valley in Charkh District, Logar Province, Afghanistan, and investigates its impact on the local economy. The primary objective is to identify key enhancements that can effectively attract a larger number of visitors and assess the influence of tourism on local market demand. A quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 100 visitors. The collected data was analyzed using the Wilcoxon non-parametric test in the statistical software SPSS. The findings reveal significant associations between various factors and increased visitor numbers, including improvements in road conditions, allowance for family visits, the establishment of hotels, the activation of additional recreational activities, the opening of shops and restaurants, and the extension of telephone and internet services in the area. Furthermore, it was observed that visitors from distant regions tend to contribute more significantly to the local economy through higher expenditure during their visits. Based on the study's results, recommendations are made for the Afghan government and private sectors to focus on infrastructure development in the aforementioned areas. This research contributes to the understanding of rural tourism development in Afghanistan and provides valuable insights for policymakers, managers, and tourism planners.