One hundred and six thousand is the number of foreign tourists who chose Madagascar as their destination between January and November, according to figures from the Ministry of Tourism. This is three times fewer than during the pre-COVID period.
In 2019, 350,000 tourists visited the country. Despite its biodiversity, beaches, and the reopening of borders in April, Madagascar is struggling to boost its tourism sector.
Industry officials, however, remain optimistic, maintaining that the target of 300,000 foreign tourists should be reached in 2023.
This is without taking into account the obstacles to the sector's takeoff. The non-exhaustive list includes shortcomings in air transport, transport infrastructure, and soaring airfare prices.
The closure of links with South Africa remains a real thorn in the side of tourism in the country.
