Promising tourism recovery in Madagascar

Tourism plays a key role in Madagascar’s economy. The country is full of attractions that are sure to charm visitors. Endless stretches of beaches, annual whale dance performances, a cultural and natural heritage worthy of enchanting tales are all elements that will captivate travelers.

Indeed, the sector experienced significant atrophy following the pandemic crisis, affecting the lives of thousands of operators and employees. But this year’s high season has made many optimistic. Although pre-covid levels have not yet been reached, the Big Island is on the right track. This year, over 50,000 tourists were recorded in the first quarter, compared to about 60,000 in the same period in 2019. In any case, all efforts are being made to return to the pre-pandemic posture. With the expansion of hosting capacity, organization of international fairs, and opening of certain airports like Sainte Marie to international flights, tourism is all set to take off again. And currently, the results are promising. « We have recorded an increase of around 40% to 45% in the number of bookings this year, and this until March 2024 at our agency alone », declared Bakomalala Nirinalijao, the president of the Association of Travel Agencies in Madagascar. And these indicators can only rise by September. Indeed, from August, Madagascar will host the island games. Tour operators are already striving to find hotels for athletes and organizers. For the Analamanga region, for example, « The arrival of delegations from neighboring islands to participate in the Indian Ocean Island Games will trigger a real boom. Currently, more than 80 tourist establishments are fully booked due to this exceptional influx », a representative of the Malagasy Ministry of Tourism relayed, referring to the island games. According to forecasts, at least 4,000 tourists are expected for this event. A market is directly available to tourism professionals, including carriers, translators, craftsmen, and others.

This recovery of the tourism sector in Madagascar offers interesting prospects for investors. Miavana by Time + Tide, an ecolodge in Nosy ve, has flown the Malagasy flag high. It ranks among the top 50 luxury hotels in the world. The exemplarity of this establishment lies in its commitment to sustainable tourism, an approach that has earned it success in harmony with local natural wealth.