Dubai, United Arab Emirates – September 16, 2026: Emirates has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts of Madagascar to contribute to the development of tourism in the Indian Ocean island nation.
The agreement was signed by Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations – West Asia and Indian Ocean, and Madame Lucie Vololonianina, Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts of Madagascar, in the presence of other officials and representatives at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has renewed its commitment to supporting Madagascar’s strategic tourism ambitions, particularly the goal of welcoming one million visitors by 2028. Following the launch of flights to Antananarivo in 2024, Emirates signed an initial agreement in 2025 to collaborate on joint initiatives to promote the destination.
Last year, tourist arrivals in Madagascar grew by 5%, reaching 331,000. As a key pillar of the economy, the sector has generated over 2,000 direct jobs, with nearly 5,000 additional hotel rooms created, bringing total capacity to over 34,000 rooms.
This strategic partnership leverages Emirates’ vast network of nearly 140 destinations. Through joint advertising campaigns, marketing actions, and personalized offers, the airline will promote Madagascar across key global markets. Additionally, the partnership will facilitate trade and cargo opportunities through Emirates’ transport capabilities.
Essa Sulaiman Ahmad stated that Emirates is proud to support the government’s ambition to attract one million tourists by 2028 while facilitating business opportunities. Minister Lucie Vololonianina expressed her enthusiasm, noting that the partnership connects Madagascar to global tourism markets across Europe, Asia, and Oceania via the Emirates network.
Emirates currently serves Antananarivo with Boeing 777 aircraft, operating daily flights during the summer season and six flights per week in the winter, with a stopover in Mahé, Seychelles.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-18 13:53:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.2424.mg/emirates-et-le-ministere-du-tourisme-et-de-lartisanat-renforcent-leur-engagement-en-faveur-du-developpement-du-tourisme-a-madagascar/
