No visa rights for tourists in 2010

In view of sustaining tourism recovery, visa rights have been suspended by the ministry in charge within the finance law. Short term stays of less than three months are being concerned. Here at last is one of those too seldom news which might give a boost to Destination Madagascar. 2009 was the year whose tourist flow plummeted as a direct consequence of the political crisis. The sector generated in all an amount of 308 billions of ariary. The government invested some 30 billions of ariary in building projects.

 Technical layoffs have taken a toll on tourism oriented businesses, and did not spare the highest ranked ones. One thousand jobs have, however, been created in the sector. New hotels and travel agencies have opened up during the crisis. The year 2009, as far as tourism is concerned, has been saved from collapse by promotions conceded by airline companies. Air Madagascar filled its airliners up thanks to BOGOF tickets: one free ticket for one ticket purchased. Operators were able to keep relying on tourist flow in provinces, while Antananarivo has been deserted due to political demonstrations