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| President Rajoelina, accompanied by Minister Randriamandranto, listening attentively to the explanations of a stand manager at the ITM. |
The Madagascar International Tourism Fair (ITM) opened its doors yesterday. An event that highlights all the assets of the Big Island to attract both national and foreign tourists.
“The art of traveling”. This is the theme of this 10th edition of the Madagascar International Tourism Fair (ITM or International Tourism Fair Madagascar), which is held at the Ivato International Conference Center.
As Joël Randriamandranto, Minister of Tourism and Crafts, explains, “the choice of this theme is not accidental”. The idea is to convey in a single expression the spirit of this ITM which wants to highlight all the assets of the Big Island. In addition to its endemic fauna and flora, its beaches and idyllic landscapes, Madagascar is also a population, a culture which, in its diversity, is unique and united. Madagascar is art and craftsmanship.
For the first time, the ITM is coupled with the 1st edition of the Madagascar International Handicraft Fair (IHM or International Handicraft Fair Madagascar). Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic, also gives an image of the objectives of this double meeting in his opening speech.
“(…) with our 5,000 kilometers of coastline, Madagascar positions itself as a strategic bridge between Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the entire Indian Ocean region. Our big island alone concentrates 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Madagascar, the largest island on the African continent, is full of priceless natural and cultural treasures and natural wealth, thus offering essential economic and tourist opportunities,” declared the Head of State.
Peregrination
“(…) our country offers a diversity of landscapes and activities that amaze and delight everyone who sets foot there. But Madagascar is not only about natural beauty, it is also about a rich and vibrant culture and legendary hospitality that make every visit unforgettable. Our colorful markets, our traditional dances are all facets that make up the soul of our nation,” adds the tenant of Iavoloha.
The ITM show and IHM will last four days. Yesterday and today, the stage was reserved for professionals in tourism and related sectors. Tomorrow until Sunday, time for the general public. Everyone will be able to enjoy a wandering among the stands. Everyone will be able to let themselves be carried away by the enchantment of the songs, the music which is one of the expressions of Malagasy “cultural identities”.
While strolling through the bays of the CCI, visitors will be able to touch, smell, taste and soak up the beauty of the diversity of colors, shapes, materials, tastes and aromas which demonstrate the multidisciplinary creativity of Malagasy artisans. A diversity which also demonstrates the richness of the nature of the Big Island and the possibilities it allows. Sculptors, essential oil producers, restaurateurs, dressmakers, hairdressers, raffia weavers demonstrate their know-how and exhibit their products at the ITM/IHM.
Visitors will also be able to escape, through the imagination, during a visit with the perspectives offered by travel agencies. Certainly, the Salon aims to be a launching pad to put tourism definitively into orbit and for it to have the expected impact on the growth of the national economy. But, for the average person, it could help them get an idea or even choose their next vacation destination.
Garry Fabrice Ranaivoson