TOURISM IN MADAGASCAR

After five years of crisis, Malagasy tourism now finds itself between sunny and clouds. Thinning is editing Vanilla Islands in Antananarivo, marked by the presence of top government officials including the president of the Big Island, the prime minister, the president of the Malagasy National Assembly, and of course the Minister of Tourism.

Madagascar's president, said Hery Rajaonanimampianina his will - a confirmed and reaffirmed will - to make a real lever for development of tourism and has placed tourism at the heart of its priorities. A lever for the resumption of all economic activities. Madagascar setting an expected 7% growth this year.

It should be noted that 2013 was an annus horribilis for the Malagasy tourism. Tourist arrivals were down 22% last year compared to 2012 with 56,000 tourists less. Hence affirmed and reaffirmed commitment to the Malagasy state of insecurity regress with the strengthening of actions on Nosy Be Island fragrances, so she kind of the orange zone where it is found after the events tragic last year with the lynching of two french nationals and to make every effort to ensure that tourism finding colors and initially the level of 2008, with 400,000 tourists. Especially as the high season (July-September) approach, hence the need for the implementation of urgent measures.

This year, the focus will be on national parks and eco-lodges development on the edge of them. Note that Madagascar has exceptional biodiversity, representing the main asset of tourism of the Big Island - it also must be protected - a rich history with the iconic Palace of the Queen in Antananarivo, where including Ranavolaona queens ruled Madagascar, not to mention the Rova of Ambohimanga, summer residence of kings and queens strongly marked by the presence of the past in these places Andriaponimerina king which combined the Big Island. Madagascar is also stunning and infinite cultural diversity. Hence also the urgent need to promote tourism of memory and cultural tourism. The Malagasy Minister of Tourism, Mr. Benjamina Ramantsoa who is aware, also has high hopes for the future in the future actions of Vanilla Islands.