The tourism industry plummeted due to decade long fight between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and the Sri Lankan government. But things are changing drastically after a war ended. Tourists are returning in record numbers and efforts are being made to lure visi­tors to the worst-hit north to rebuild the economy. “Attractions in the north have to be identified and given publicity by travel agencies and operators,” said Udana Wickramasinghe, an official with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). He said cities such as Jaffna, Elephant Pass and Mullaitivu had been pinpointed as potential tourist hot spots.
Tourist arrivals could top 600,000 this year and net up to US$600 million, and the agency is working on developing hotels and other facilities in the north to encour­age more visitors, Wickramasinghe said.
“There will be multiple effects of tour­ists spending money in the north, from the buying of goods and services in the area, to employees and locals being involved in tourism activities,” Wickramasinghe said.

The US State Department on 26 May lifted its travel advisory on Sri Lanka, citing improvements in safety and security conditions throughout the country - another boost for tourism, which would be a boon for the north.
“Income from tourism will most definitely be among the leading drivers of the northern economy,” said Naoko Ishii, World Bank country director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives. “Local produc­ers can supply the industry, and many self-employment opportunities will arise.”