During a strategic meeting between the Minister of Tourism and Crafts, Viviane Dewa, and the Ambassador of India, Bandaru Wilsonbabu, held this Wednesday, August 28 in Tsimbazaza, several areas of cooperation were explored.
This exchange aimed to lay the foundations for a solid partnership between the two nations, focused on the development of tourism and the promotion of crafts.
Promoting Indian investments in hotels and tourism infrastructure in Madagascar to help strengthen the country’s reception capacities in order to achieve the objective of one million tourists by 2028 as well as the development of river tourism along the Pangalanes canal, with the idea of an exchange of experiences between the two countries in order to expand the tourist offer of the Big Island were among other things discussed
The Indian diplomat also affirmed his country’s support for the Ministry of Tourism and Crafts to attract Bollywood producers to film in Nosy Be and Morondava, alongside the organization of a trip for influencers, in as part of the promotion of the Madagascar destination.
The promotion of medical tourism, a sector in which India excels, was also discussed by the two personalities. To facilitate access for Malagasy tourists to these services, it was indicated that discussions have been initiated with a view to simplifying visa procedures. Open days are also planned to be organized and a tourist package could be put in place in partnership with local tour operators.
These initiatives aim not only to promote Malagasy destinations to the Indian public, but also to improve the country’s tourist image internationally, it is emphasized.
It should be noted that Madagascar will take part, in February 2025, in craft and tourism fairs in India. This will provide an additional opportunity to strengthen commercial and cultural ties between the two nations.
