Switzerland – A big kick-off for Destination Madagascar

On Tuesday, TIM-Switzerland, and the Chamber of Commerce organized a workshop at Basil?s Congressional Center. This gave tour operators the opportunity to meet with Madagascar?s new minister of tourism. The latter was responsible for generating the Malagasy government?s economic recovery policy. He presented his department?s strategic plan, as well as its business policies. Most particularly, the minister introduced essential development master plans, such as joint venture partnerships with the private sector, the promotion of eco-tourism and related products, the fight against the negative impacts of tourism, and the battle against corruption. He also addressed the issues of the fundamental bases of tourism, in general, and the Regional Tourism Offices which should allow investors and local operators to better organize investments.

Reestablishing the air traffic network is another line of priority for Swiss tour operators. As to the airline network between Switzerland and Madagascar, the minister indicated that talks are under way aimed at establishing improved connections. He also indicated that regional flights toward the provinces, currently grounded, should resume as soon as the security standards of the provincial airports are improved. Additionally, the Swiss tour operators particularly appreciated the fact that Air Madagascar made an effort to provide clarifications, and updates on the company?s situation, during the workshop.

Air Madagascar pointed out the resumption of three non-stop weekly flights between Paris and Antananarivo, and at least one daily flight toward each province?s capital city, as well as a scheduling realignment designed to lead to better connections. The airline company also noted that it is trying to reduce its ticket prices to match those of the competition. It is currently offering a promotional price of 649 Euros for a Paris-Antananarivo round trip ticket.

This workshop primarily revolved around the development of eco-tourism. It included a presentation of the parks, and reserves managed by ANGAP. Contending that the island?s natural diversity attracts tourists more than the beauty of its beaches, specialists view eco-tourism as an important economic resource,.

To normalize the sector, an eco-tourism bill is currently in the making. This bill is aimed at maximizing the economic windfalls for those who live around the parks, while minimizing the negative impacts.

The director of the Zurich Zoo subsequently introduced Masoala National Park, located north of Tamatave, on the Island?s eastern coast. This park was partially replicated in a permanent expansion wing of the Zurich Zoo which will be unveiled at the end of June.

Swiss tour operators were pleasantly surprised by the Malagasy delegation?s resolve even if they were keenly aware that there is still much work to be done before the measures introduced during the workshop could become reality.