More than 12,000 local tourists, along with 21 foreigners, visited Balkh province in northern Afghanistan over Eid-ul-Fitr, Balkh Information and Culture Department officials confirmed.
According to the officials, the tourists visited recreational areas and historical sites during the three-day Eid holiday period.
Tourists visiting the province said they were happy about the improved security situation but called for more recreational areas.
One popular area was Marmul district, which lies about 20 km west of Mazar-e-Sharif, the provincial capital. Visitors said however they would have liked to see more restaurants, mosques, markets and other facilities.
Local officials in Balkh said efforts are being made to create facilities in recreational areas in the province.
In addition to Marmul, other popular destinations in Balkh for visitors this Eid was the Qosh Tepa Canal, Dasht-e-Shadian, Amu River and Chashma-e-Khaja Sikandar.
