Emirates and the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts have joined forces to increase Madagascar’s international visibility. The agreement includes promotional campaigns across several markets.
Attracting more visitors and facilitating external trade are key objectives of the new partnership between Emirates and the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts. Signed on September 16 in Dubai, the agreement aims to bring Madagascar closer to new tourism markets and support the national goal of welcoming one million visitors by 2028.
The airline intends to leverage its international network, which serves nearly 140 destinations, to boost Madagascar’s profile. Joint promotional campaigns are planned for several markets, particularly in Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Emirates’ network of travel agencies and partner tour operators will also be mobilized to conduct marketing activities and offer tailored packages.
For Malagasy tourism professionals, this promotion will include familiarization trips organized under the partnership. Journalists and industry professionals will be invited to discover the sites and attractions of the Great Island to better promote the destination to their audiences.
The stakes are high for a sector that contributes directly to economic activity. In 2025, Madagascar welcomed 331,000 visitors, compared to 315,000 in 2024, an increase of 5%. The sector also generated over 2,000 direct jobs, including 1,600 in the hotel and restaurant industry. Meanwhile, nearly 5,000 additional rooms were created, bringing total accommodation capacity to over 34,000 rooms.
The partnership is not limited to passenger transport; cargo transport is also a key component. The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft used on the route between Madagascar and Dubai can carry up to 20 tons of freight per flight, which is expected to facilitate trade between Madagascar and external markets.
Since 2024, Emirates has been serving Antananarivo via Mahé, Seychelles. The airline offers over 2,500 seats per week in each direction, with frequencies reaching seven flights per week during the summer season and six during the winter season.
According to Lucie Vololonianina, Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, the Emirates network should better connect Madagascar to international tourism markets, particularly in Europe, Asia, and Oceania. For its part, the airline views Madagascar as a destination to be further promoted to its international clientele.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-19 06:08:49 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/transport-aerien-emirates-renforce.html
