Madagascar: solidarity and responsible tourism in honour at ITB – Berlin

Faithful to the rendezvous, Madagascar was represented at the 53rd Edition of the ITB, from 06 to 10^th March, a must-attend World event, with a particular focus on solidarity and responsible tourism.

Under the leadership of the Madagascar National Tourist Office, the “Trio” tour operators, hotel industries and the Air Madagascar Flag carrier (in partnership with Air Austral) highlighted the destination Madagascar in an environment of strong competition, to attract a growing and increasingly demanding clientele.

Beyond this “classic” aspect, the promotion of Malagasy cultural tourism was initiated this year thanks to the participation of the Raketamanga Museum.

Above all, sustainable, solidarity and responsible tourism, following the current trend, was in focus  thanks to the support of BMZ/GIZ Antananarivo in favour of the National Association of Solidarity and Responsible Tourism. Madagascar National Parks is also supporting the initiative. Members of the “Antso Re” Association (literally “call heard”) and other operators in the field made interesting contacts and could open up new horizons. Musical events, “fingerfood” from Malagasy culinary specialities attracted visitors, and more particularly the draw (held on Saturday afternoon, March 09^th ),  to win a sustainable trip for two persons to Madagascar.

In addition, Madagascar organizes each year the International Tourism Fair (ITM) from 13 to 16 June 2019 in Antananarivo, bringing together all the actors in the sector, following the current trend of innovative, inclusive, sustainable and responsible tourism by putting people at the centre and further promoting exchanges.

Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, offers enormous potential, particularly in the field of tourism, one of the five most promising global sectors.

The number of tourists by 2023 is expected to reach 500,000, which represents not only business opportunities in terms of infrastructures, tourism industry, energy,  and many others, but also diversified products for a unique destination in a “Treasure Island”.