1. What are your top priorities for positioning Madagascar as a leading tourism destination in the Indian Ocean region?
The Ministry of Tourism and Handicraft is actively driving the revival of Madagascar's tourism sector, in accordance to the vision of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina, to make tourism and handicrafts a powerful lever for the country’s development. Tourism has been recognized as a national priority within our country’s economic development strategy. We have set a clear target to welcome one million tourists by 2028.
To achieve this, we’ve established seven strategic pillars to guide our efforts. The progress so far is encouraging, in 2024 alone, we recorded 3,015,140 tourist arrivals. The sector is projected to contribute 14.9% to GDP by 2025 and generated foreign exchange earnings of $780 million in 2024, making tourism our number one source of foreign currency.
We are also strengthening domestic tourism through our regional tourism offices. These serve as vital hubs, promoting both cultural and natural heritage while actively involving communities in the tourism value chain. Our revival strategy is firmly rooted in sustainable and inclusive development, aiming to make tourism a cornerstone of Madagascar's economic, social, and cultural growth.
Our goal is not only to stimulate economic growth and create jobs but to ensure local populations benefit directly, while protecting our unique cultural and environmental heritage.
2. How is the Ministry working to diversify Madagascar’s tourism offerings beyond nature and wine?
Madagascar is a truly unique island, a paradise with over 5% of the world's biodiversity and an endemism rate above 80%. With more than 5,000 km of coastline, vibrant and authentic culture, and diverse tourism offers ranging from ecotourism and adventure to beach resorts and cultural experiences, Madagascar stands apart from other Indian Ocean islands.
What makes the experience unforgettable is the legendary Malagasy hospitality, warm smiles, generous hearts, and immersive exchanges within communities. To promote this, we launched the Tourism at Home initiative, creating authentic human experiences for travelers while providing direct economic benefits for host families.
This model reflects our deep commitment to responsible, inclusive, and sustainable tourism that benefits both visitors and our people.
3. What specific initiatives are being implemented to attract tourists from the UAE and the wider Gulf region?
Sustainability is fully integrated into our tourism strategy, aligned with Madagascar’s broader social, economic, and environmental goals. Initiatives like the Becoming Hosts project and community-based tourism promote inclusion, job creation, and cultural valorization.
Ecotourism and responsible travel are central to our efforts. We are developing ecotourism zones around protected areas to balance biodiversity conservation with economic benefits for local communities. We also support operators in adopting sustainable practices and educating visitors.
One flagship initiative I’m proud of is the Virtuous Tourism project, developed in collaboration with the renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, promoting architecture that respects the environment and cultural identity. We also encourage eco-friendly artisan practices through training and technical assistance.
Partnerships with the Gulf region are growing. Over the past year, we’ve hosted forums and B2B events in Dubai and participated in the Arabian Travel Market. A major outcome was our cooperation with Emirates Airlines, which has doubled flights to Madagascar, from 3 to 6 per week, in under 10 months. We aim for daily flights soon.
Tourist numbers from the Gulf grew by over 25% in 2024 alone. Beyond the 5,000 km separating us, our 5 km of paradise beaches bring us closer than ever.
4. How is the government supporting investment in tourism infrastructure, such as hotels, transport, and connectivity?
One of our President’s top ambitions is to expand five-star hotel infrastructure across Madagascar, positioning us as a high-standard tourism destination.
We have over 60 tourism-designated land reserves, several of which are ecotourism zones offering significant investment potential. The Ministry supports investors by streamlining administrative procedures and creating a favorable business climate for tourism infrastructure development.
We’re seeing increased collaboration with partners from the UAE and Gulf region. The Emirates partnership has been instrumental in improving air connectivity, essential to meet growing demand.
For instance, Emirates now operates six weekly flights to Madagascar. Thanks to strategic cooperation and co-promotion, we are drawing more investment and steadily improving accessibility for tourists.
5. What role do community-based tourism and cultural heritage play in your long-term tourism development strategy?
Cultural and sustainable tourism are crucial pillars for us. Madagascar’s cultural diversity is a true comparative advantage. Tourists don’t just come for beaches, they come for our forests, wildlife, and traditions.
We believe that combining cultural immersion with environmental richness creates a unique experience that visitors cherish. This is what sets Madagascar apart.
6. How are you promoting Madagascar’s rich handicraft sector on the global stage?
Handicrafts are essential to our economy and cultural identity. We believe this sector can become a powerful engine for local development, job creation, and international recognition.
To support this, we’re establishing an Artisan Village in Antananarivo, with plans to replicate it in other high-potential regions. These will showcase Malagasy craftsmanship while offering immersive experiences for visitors.
Around 3 million artisans sustain this sector. Since 2019, our handicraft exports have averaged $18 million annually. We’re also working to formalize the sector to improve working conditions, market access, and social protection.
We’ve launched programs like Happiness, which provide training for single women and disadvantaged youth across 14 value chains, empowering them to start businesses or enter the workforce.
We also support traditional skills, such as those of the Zafimaniry people, recognized by UNESCO, through preservation and transmission programs.
7. What steps are being taken to ensure sustainability and environmental protection in Madagascar’s growing tourism industry?
At my Ministry, I’ve called on all staff and stakeholders to plant trees and commit to sustainability. If we lose our forests, we lose the foundation of both tourism and handicrafts.
A beach can be found anywhere, but Madagascar’s biodiversity is what makes us unique. Visitors come to see lemurs, rainforests, and untouched landscapes.
We must protect these treasures for future generations. Environmental protection is not an option, it's a responsibility.
8. Are there new partnerships or events planned to increase Madagascar’s international visibility in key markets?
Absolutely. Our main visitors come from France, Italy, Germany, and the UK. But with Emirates now flying here, we’ve opened new markets in Dubai, Asia (India and China), and the SADC region (South Africa, Angola, Kenya).
We’re actively promoting Vanilla Islands, a regional alliance with Mauritius, Réunion, Seychelles, Mayotte, Comoros, and Madagascar. Through better flight connectivity with Emirates and others like Ethiopian Airlines, we encourage travelers to combine two destinations.
In Nosy Be, for example, there are now 19 direct flights per week. Madagascar is increasingly integrated into the Indian Ocean’s tourism circuit — even attracting cruise tourism.
9. What investment opportunities exist for foreign investors in tourism and the artisanal sector?
Madagascar is an open and promising market. For example, in Nosy Be and other regions, we need 11,500 additional hotel rooms, including five-star options in places like Morondava, near the Baobab Alley.
We’re also investing in infrastructure, roads, energy, and domestic flights, to better serve tourist zones. Tourism and handicrafts will play a key role in our national growth strategy.
10. What message would you like to share with Khaleej Times readers considering Madagascar for tourism or business?
Madagascar is a living jewel in the Indian Ocean, a rare sanctuary of biodiversity, beauty, and cultural richness. Our landscapes, flora and fauna, and the warmth of our people offer more than a journey, they offer a lifelong memory.
We invite travelers and investors alike to be part of an authentic, responsible, and immersive experience. Madagascar is not only a tourism destination, it’s a land of opportunity. We welcome those who wish to contribute to our sustainable and inclusive development.
Madagascar has recently been recognized internationally for its exceptional offerings: we were proudly named Best Indian Ocean Adventure Destination at the World Travel Awards 2025, a testament to our thrilling landscapes and rich outdoor experiences. Actually, Expedia, the renowned global travel platform has included Madagascar among it's 2025 island Host List as one of the top flight popular world destination, highlighting our unparalleled biodiversity, breathtaking scenery, and deeply authentic experiences.
With deep conviction and determination, I carry the vision of making Madagascar a world-renowned tourism hub, a beacon of biodiversity and a model of environmentally respectful tourism.
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