At a Glance
- Tourist arrivals reached 88% of pre-pandemic levels in 2024, fueled by rich biodiversity and world-class natural attractions.
- The airline launched direct flights to Madagascar in September 2024, with plans for six weekly flights by April 2025.
- Madagascar aims to attract 1 million tourists by 2028, leveraging enhanced air links, global partnerships, and unparalleled biodiversity.
Madagascar, Africa’s largest island, is gaining increasing global attention as a top tourist destination, thanks to its vast array of national parks, unique islands, and thriving wildlife areas. As the country’s tourism sector continues to rebound post-pandemic, there has been a marked surge in tourist arrivals, reaching 88 percent of pre-pandemic levels in the first seven months of 2024 alone.
This recovery has sparked optimism for even greater growth in the years ahead. With an eye on further expanding its reach, Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, launched direct flights to Madagascar in September 2024 and has already announced plans to increase its services to six weekly flights starting April 2025. This aligns with the island nation’s broader goal of boosting tourism and promoting its unparalleled natural beauty to a wider audience.
The decision to increase flight frequencies comes in response to strong demand for services between Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, and Dubai, the airline’s global hub. The announcement was made at a press conference attended by representatives from Madagascar’s Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Tourism, and Emirates, underscoring the importance of air connectivity in driving the island’s tourism agenda.
Emirates expands Madagascar flights, cargo capacity
Manambahoaka Valéry F. Ramonjavelo, Madagascar’s Minister of Transport and Meteorology, emphasized the significance of the strengthened relationship between the UAE and Madagascar, noting that the increase in flights reflects growing confidence in the country’s tourism potential. He highlighted that the goal is to eventually have a flight per day, making Madagascar even more accessible to global tourists.
Viviane Dewa, Madagascar’s Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, also expressed optimism about the positive impact of Emirates’ presence. Since launching direct flights to the island, the airline has opened up new opportunities for Madagascar to connect with over 140 destinations worldwide.
Dewa further reiterated that the country is on track to meet its ambitious target of attracting one million tourists by 2028, with air connectivity playing a pivotal role in achieving this goal. Emirates’ promotion of Madagascar as a key leisure destination, coupled with partnerships with global tour operators, has helped raise the island’s profile on the international stage.
The expansion of Emirates’ services will not only bolster passenger traffic but also enhance cargo capacity, allowing the Boeing 777 aircraft to carry up to 20 tonnes of cargo per flight. This capacity is vital for supporting imports and exports, particularly for the island’s growing tourism sector.
Demand for services between Antananarivo and Dubai has been strong, with flights operating at near full capacity. The increase in available seats will provide greater flexibility for travelers and contribute to the steady rise in visitor numbers.
Madagascar’s world-class attractions
Madagascar’s appeal to tourists lies in its rich biodiversity and natural attractions, making it a top destination for nature lovers. The island boasts three UNESCO World Heritage sites, alongside a variety of parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
These include Isalo National Park, the Avenue of the Baobabs, Nosy Be, Masoala National Park, and Ranomafana National Park, each offering unique experiences for those seeking to explore its diverse ecosystems:
- Isalo National Park
Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Madagascar,” this park features stunning sandstone formations and a wide range of endemic plant species. A haven for hikers and nature lovers, the park is famous for its scenic landscapes and wildlife, including endemic reptiles.
- Avenue of the Baobabs
This iconic stretch of ancient baobab trees is one of Madagascar’s most photographed sites. Located in the Menabe region, the Avenue of the Baobabs is a stunning reminder of the island’s unique ecosystems and plays a significant role in local conservation efforts.
- Nosy Be
Known as Madagascar’s premier tourist destination, Nosy Be is an island off the northwest coast that attracts visitors with its pristine beaches, marine life, and luxurious resorts. The island is also a key economic hub, with its plantation of ylang-ylang, used for the production of essential oils.
- Masoala National Park
As Madagascar’s largest national park, Masoala offers pristine rainforests and coral reefs that house a diverse range of species, including the endangered red-ruffed lemur and humpback whales. The park draws nature enthusiasts and eco-tourists alike, cementing Madagascar’s reputation as a global biodiversity hotspot.
- Ranomafana National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ranomafana is home to 12 species of lemurs, including the golden bamboo lemur. The park’s tropical rainforests and biodiversity attract wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers from around the world.
Strengthening air connectivity and global reach
Madagascar’s tourism sector is poised for significant growth, driven by enhanced air connectivity and strategic partnerships with global airlines like Emirates.
The island’s extraordinary biodiversity, coupled with easier access, positions it as a top destination for travelers seeking unique natural experiences. As Madagascar draws more international visitors, it is steadily establishing itself as an important player on the global tourism stage.
Emirates has played a key role in making Madagascar an attractive leisure destination. The airline’s decision to increase flights to the island highlights the strong demand for travel and underscores how global partnerships can boost regional development. With Emirates’ expansive network, Madagascar has gained access to new markets, providing travelers with greater convenience and more travel options.
Beyond tourism, Emirates’ services have also supported Madagascar’s economy by enhancing cargo capacity. The airline’s Boeing 777 aircraft can carry up to 20 tonnes of cargo per flight, which contributes to Madagascar’s export growth and strengthens its economic connections worldwide.
Madagascar eyes 1 million tourists by 2028
Looking ahead, Madagascar aims to attract one million international visitors by 2028. The government, along with key industry players like Emirates, is working to improve infrastructure, connectivity, and global marketing to showcase the island’s many attractions. As interest in the country continues to rise, Madagascar is on track to become one of Africa’s most sought-after destinations.
In conclusion, Madagascar’s tourism sector, bolstered by better air links, world-class attractions, and valuable international partnerships, is entering an exciting new chapter. With Emirates’ continued support and a commitment to sustainability and biodiversity conservation, Madagascar is poised to make its mark on the global travel scene.
As more travelers explore Madagascar, the island’s once-hidden treasures are being unveiled, offering a unique chance to experience a paradise that has long been one of Africa’s best-kept secrets.
