Madagascar: an infinitely diverse territory ideal for tourism development

Madagascar is a tourist island with immense potential due to its size, diverse landscapes, and endemic species. Its numerous natural geographic assets and unique ecosystems are the backbone of Malagasy tourism. The island-continent, spanning over 587,000 km², is shaped by multiple climates, enhancing the diversity of its landscapes. 

To begin, it’s essential to highlight the geographical assets leveraged by the tourism sector. In the north, you’ll find endemic primary forests, rare and impressive rock formations (such as the Tsingy of Ankarana or the red Tsingy), and above all, paradisiacal coastal zones that attract more beach-oriented tourism than other parts of the country (notably Nosy Be). In the east, abundant and diverse vegetation thrives under heavy rainfall and a humid tropical climate. 

The Central Highlands feature high plateaus and mountain ranges that are ideal for hiking and adventure trekking. The west is characterized by arid landscapes, a hot and dry climate, rugged terrain (Tsingy de Bemaraha), and stunning lagoons, coral reefs, and mangroves (notably around Tulear). Finally, the great south presents savannahs and arid plains, but due to its remoteness, it remains less visited by tourists. 

This brief overview underscores the diversity Madagascar offers and highlights the country's potential for tourism development.

Endemism as a key tourism asset

One of Madagascar’s main tourist draws lies in its endemic nature. The island boasts a megabiodiversity, with endemism rates reaching up to 95% for certain species (Razafindrakoto, 2017). This biological wealth positions the island as a prime destination for nature observation and the discovery of unique landscapes. 

Madagascar’s natural environment and diversity are its principal assets. According to Sarrasin (2013), ecotourism accounts for 55% of tourists visiting Madagascar, aligning with the growing trend of "green tourism." Tourist activity in Madagascar is generally concentrated around a coastal hub or a national park.

The National Office of Tourism in Madagascar (ONTM) capitalizes on this strength to promote the country internationally, using the slogan “Madagascar treasure island” as its selling point. The island's advertising emphasizes its endemism, which is the primary argument employed by travel agencies, the ONTM, and the Ministry of Tourism. 

Local symbols are leveraged to attract travelers, relying on the country’s stereotypes: the lemur and the whale symbolize faunal diversity and endemism, while the baobab tree illustrates botanical endemism.

Madagascar's place in regional tourism

Madagascar remains a niche destination globally and within the western Indian Ocean region, mainly attracting experienced European travelers. This geographical zone, which includes the Maldives, Zanzibar, Seychelles, Mayotte, Comoros, Madagascar, Réunion, and Mauritius, is more unified by location and proximity than by similarities in tourism offerings or clientele. 

Tourism in the western Indian Ocean quadrupled between 1995 and 2017 (Fig. 4), while global tourism merely doubled during the same period. This growth was driven primarily by beach destinations such as the Maldives, Mauritius, Zanzibar, and, to a lesser extent, the Seychelles. 

Madagascar and Réunion show less dramatic increases and cater to a different audience: travelers seeking nature tourism, adventure, and exploration.

Excerpt from the Master’s Thesis by Camille Bertrand, a Master's student at Sorbonne University in Geography, Planning, Environment, and Trade Dynamics with a specialization in Globalization, Spatial Dynamics, and Sustainable Development in Southern Countries. 

Intern at Détours Madagascar - 2019.  "Overcoming Obstacles to the Establishment and Sustainability of a Structured Tourism Sector in Madagascar: Shifts Toward a Model Supporting Local Development?"

© Détours Madagascar – 05 Juin 2020