Madagascar targets 1 million tourists by 2028 in eco-tourism push

Madagascar recorded 308,275 international visitors in 2024, the first time since the pandemic that arrivals have passed the 2019 peak, and the government now wants to push that figure much higher. Tourism and Handicrafts Minister Viviane Dewa has said the authorities are aiming for 1 million tourists in 2028, with tourism positioned as the country's leading source of foreign currency.

The route to that target is nature-based tourism rather than large beach resorts, with national parks, protected areas and new air connections carrying most of the expected growth.

Key facts

• 308,275 international arrivals in 2024, up from about 259,850 in 2023
• Target of 1 million tourists in 2028, according to Tourism and Handicrafts Minister Viviane Dewa
• Nationals of most countries can get a tourist visa on arrival or an e-Visa
• The e-Visa system was reactivated around April 2023
• Prime nature season runs from May to October, during the austral winter
• Ecotourism accounts for around 42% of observed stays

What is the strategy?

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts, the aim is to double international flows by upgrading nature-based experiences rather than multiplying large, resource-intensive beach resorts, in order to limit pressure on fragile island ecosystems. Private operators' sector analysis identifies three main demand segments — adventure and discovery, ecotourism and beach holidays — with ecotourism representing about 42% of observed stays.

Authorities point to about 5,000 kilometres of relatively unspoiled coastline and forest massifs with endemic biodiversity. The products being pushed include established parks such as Andasibe-Mantadia, Isalo, Ranomafana and Masoala, plus less-visited areas such as the volcanic highlands around Itasy, the dry forests and mangroves near Mahajanga, and the coral reefs between Nosy Be and Diego-Suarez.

How do travellers enter Madagascar?

Immigration authorities allow nationals of most countries to obtain a tourist visa on arrival or through the e-Visa system, which was reactivated around April 2023 to simplify entry formalities. The source does not list which nationalities are excluded, nor does it state visa fees or permitted lengths of stay.

When is the best time to visit?

The prime nature season typically runs from May to October, during the austral winter, when drier weather favours hiking and wildlife viewing. Multi-stop itineraries combining the central highlands with eastern and south-western parks, plus a beach extension to Nosy Be or Sainte-Marie, are the most sought-after products in that period.

What are the costs and constraints?

Ecotourism trips based on small-capacity accommodation such as lodges, guesthouses and serviced camps, with domestic transfers by road or air, remain more expensive than in some other African destinations because of the island's size and limited infrastructure. A recent trade policy review report on Madagascar notes that transport infrastructure, air connectivity and accommodation capacity still limit how far arrivals can be scaled up.

Some private operators have introduced internal sustainability charters, including limits on visitor numbers at certain sites, a preference for accommodation with strong waste and water management, and co-financing of local reforestation or environmental education projects.

What this means for travellers

Travellers planning a trip can still use a visa on arrival or an e-Visa and should check which option applies to their nationality before booking. Those aiming for wildlife viewing and hiking should note that the drier season from May to October is the busiest period for nature itineraries, and that small-scale lodges and domestic transfers can push trip costs above those in other African destinations.

Watch for the roadmap the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts is expected to spell out in forthcoming investment and promotion plans, as well as a possible revision of concession policies in certain national parks, the scheduling of new air routes to Europe and Asia, and the integration of sustainability criteria into tax incentives for the hotel sector.