Socio-Economic Impacts of Tourism on Local Community in Afghanistan (Case Study in Aryoub Zazi District)

Tourism is recognized as the best source of income generation and employment. Afghanistan has excellent tourist destinations that have the potential to generate income. By this reason this study attempted to investigate the economic, cultural, social, and environmental impacts of sustainable tourism industry. Tourism is based on the natural and cultural resources in the study area which make that place unique, with people as the main drivers. Nowadays, tourism industry known a crucial source for income generation and economic growth. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used to research and achieve the aim of this study. Primary data were collected through questionnaire and observation, and secondary data were achieved from published resources. Collected data were calculated using SPSS version 24 of descriptive statistics. The results illustrate that tourism industry is great source for economic growth, but environment was affected by tourism activity in the study area. In addition, tourism activities lead to strengthening of social relations.