The national celebration of the 45th World Tourism Day (WTD) is held in Antsirabe on September 26 and 27, 2024. This major event, organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Crafts (MTA) and the National Tourism Office of Madagascar (ONTM), brings together all tourism stakeholders in Madagascar to highlight the sector while addressing its key challenges.
The theme chosen this year by the United Nations “Tourism and Peace” is of particular importance for the promotion of sustainable and harmonious tourism.
The choice of the city of Antsirabe, located in the Vakinankaratra region, is not insignificant. Recognized for its peaceful atmosphere, its thermal heritage and its strategic positioning as a crossroads to the South-West and the Great South of Madagascar, Antsirabe perfectly embodies the theme of peace and well-being. With its assets, such as the richness of its gastronomic and cultural offerings and its thermal spas, the city fully meets the aspirations of travelers in search of serenity and authentic discoveries.
The celebration program extends over two days. The first day, September 26, was marked by a meeting between the Minister of Tourism, Viviane Dewa, the Regional Tourism Offices (ORT) and the Regional Directors of Tourism and Crafts (DIRTA). This meeting discussed the prospects for tourism development in the different regions. A “team building” bringing together stakeholders from the tourism sector was also organized, with the aim of strengthening cohesion and collaboration between the different professionals. This
activity aims to consolidate links, encourage teamwork, and promote constructive exchange.
On September 27, the official day of the national celebration of the JMT, a series of festive and cultural events awaits the public. Among the highlights, a yoga session organized in collaboration with the Indian Embassy in Madagascar, a large themed carnival, open to all. A conference-debate entitled “Tourism and Peace: valuable tourism, vector of peace” will explore the essential role of tourism in promoting peace, new trends in the sector, as well as its interaction with local communities. Participants will also discuss the impact of tourism on social well-being and community dynamics.
An agreement signing ceremony between the ministry and the Malagasy Professional Training Fund (FMFP) will also be held during the event. This convention aims to strengthen the skills of tourism professionals as well as artisans through various training courses. In addition, an approvals presentation will be organized for tourist operators in the region.
The festivities will close with a concert, hosted by Mafonja, Mamy Basta and Sovazik, bringing together the big tourism family and the general public, to celebrate together the diversity and unity that tourism can generate. This event constitutes an opportunity to strengthen links between players in the sector and promote the values of peace and well-being that tourism embodies.