Taliban Takes Over Kabul's Serena Hotel Operations

The Taliban government has taken over the management of Kabul's Serena Hotel, which will cease operations on February 1, 2025, as it transitions to the Hotel State Owned Corporation (HSOC). Previously run by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, the hotel has been a significant part of Kabul's hospitality landscape since 2005, hosting international guests and contributing to local economic development. The Serena has faced multiple deadly attacks attributed to the Taliban, including a 2008 suicide bombing and a 2014 shooting, leading to heightened security concerns since their return to power. The HSOC's takeover raises questions about the future of tourism in Afghanistan, especially given the Taliban's restrictive policies affecting women's rights and public spaces. In its farewell message, the hotel expressed gratitude to its staff and guests, acknowledging their role in its legacy. The Serena brand remains active in other countries, inviting guests to experience its hospitality outside Afghanistan.