Madagascar - Tourism Confirms Its Recovery in 2025 and Looks Ahead to 2026
After several years marked by the global health crisis, the year 2025 confirms the gradual consolidation of tourism in Madagascar. According to official data from the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts, more than 150,000 international visitors were recorded during the first half of 2025.
This momentum continued throughout the year. Available statistics indicate that 248,140 international tourists visited Madagascar in the first three quarters of 2025, representing an increase of 9.13% compared to the same period in 2024. These figures reflect a renewed attractiveness of the destination, driven in particular by nature, seaside, and cultural tourism.
The appeal of the Great Island is largely based on its unique biodiversity, the diversity of its landscapes, and the authenticity of the experiences offered to travelers. These assets continue to position Madagascar as a destination of choice for an international clientele seeking sustainable tourism and preserved environments, supported by strengthened promotional efforts in source markets.
Despite this recovery, authorities and sector professionals highlight the persistence of structural challenges, particularly in terms of infrastructure, air connectivity, and accommodation capacity. The Malagasy government nevertheless maintains an ambitious medium‑term objective of reaching one million international tourists per year by 2028, a milestone that will require sustained investment and better structuring of the tourism offer.
2026: Cautious Optimism for the Future
As 2026 approaches, prospects for Malagasy tourism appear broadly positive, although dependent on economic stability and continued development efforts in the sector. The diversification of the tourism offer—combining nature tours, seaside stays, and cultural experiences—is identified as an essential lever to capture an increasingly segmented international demand.
In this context, 2026 could mark a new stage in the rise of Malagasy tourism, provided that operational and structural constraints are gradually addressed.
Despite the challenges that remain, Madagascar retains unique assets on the regional tourism scene. The sector thus continues to be a key driver of economic and social development, expected to play a central role in the country’s growth trajectory in the coming years.
