Madagascar: DESTINATION MADAGASCAR – Promotion of Malagasy tourism in the eastern region

Madagascar highlights its tourism internationally at the HOLIDAY & SPA International Tourism Fair. The island strengthens its visibility in Eastern Europe.

Madagascar enjoys the status of a partner country at the HOLIDAY & SPA International Tourism Fair, held in Sofia from the beginning of the week until Friday. The Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts, supported by the National Tourism Office of Madagascar, facilitated the participation of the Great Island in this event, marking its 40th edition this year.

The HOLIDAY & SPA International Tourism Fair is a major event in the tourism sector in Bulgaria. Madagascar’s presence enhances its visibility throughout Eastern Europe, especially following the first charter flight connecting Nosy Be to Sofia on November 25, 2023, operated by Bulgaria Air. Since 2019, Madagascar has implemented strategic initiatives to strengthen its presence in this market, including roadshows and familiarization tours with tourism professionals. These efforts have resulted in a significant increase in the number of tourists from Eastern Europe to Madagascar, from 6,472 in 2019 to 19,440 in 2023, almost tripled.

Other Meetings

This fair, which provides a platform for B2B and B2C exchanges, offers Madagascar the opportunity to promote its tourist attractions and directly sell its products to the Bulgarian public through attending tour operators alongside the ONTM. In addition, an airline serving the destination from Eastern Europe is also represented among the co-exhibitors at the Madagascar stand.

The presence of the Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Joël Randriamandranto, as well as the Honorary Consul of Bulgaria in Madagascar, has strengthened the Malagasy delegation at this event. Other national and international meetings are expected in the coming weeks.

Eric Ranjalahy