Since the end of the destructive Tamil Tiger conflict in May 2009, Sri Lanka has begun to emerge as a major tourist destination and celebrated its 600,000th foreign tourist last month.

In the coming year Sri Lankan authorities expect a further 700,000 international tourists with this figure growing to 2.5 million a year within 5 years.

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Economic Development is keen to welcome new visitors: “The nature has blessed us with beautiful beaches, waterfalls, exotic wildlife and historic places. We as a nation have a reputation for our hospitality.”

While this increase is welcomed it does not come without its challenges. Eastern European tour companies are complaining of marginalisation in favour of business from the UK and India, while proposed changes in the visa process could discourage other visitors.

Nonetheless this growth is a promising step forward for a nation that is desperate to emerge from its troubled recent history.

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Find out about volunteer travel in Sri Lanka, including orphanage volunteering and community projects.