The end of the conflict in Sri Lanka has left tourism experts cautiously optimistic that the country will benefit from an increased influx of travellers. Sri Lanka’s government is hoping that after 30 years of war the island nation can now concentrate on encouraging visitors from abroad.

According to Sri Lanka’s economic development minister, Basil Rajapaksa, a tourism industry cannot be built unless there is peace in a country. He added that now the Tamil Tigers were no longer an issue, Sri Lanka can concentrate on investing in attracting foreigners to its beaches, historical sites and diverse ecosystems.

Sri Lanka Tourism said it recorded its 600,000^th foreign visitor last month and that it hopes to welcome 100,000 more tourists this year. By 2016, the authority predicts 2.5 million visitors annually. Currently it is the UK and India which supply the highest number of travellers to the Indian Ocean island.

However, during the conflict, it was Eastern Europe and Russia supplying many of the tourists. Some have accused the authorities of favouring Westerners since the end of the fighting and hiking prices in order to earn more western currency. There have even been reports of Eastern visitors being turned away from hotels and Russian guides are complaining that their salaries have been harmed.

Tourism Promotion Zones are currently under development in a number of areas. These include a project in Kalpitiya which will cater to those arriving for an adventure holiday or wishing to see the local marine wildlife. A similar project is slated for the area surrounding Bandaranaike Airport.