Madagascar Tourism Growth: Recovery and Ambitious Targets for 2028
Following the worldwide health crisis, Madagascar's tourism business displayed exceptional endurance and growth, with notable rebound years in 2024 and 2025. In 2024, Madagascar welcomed 316,873 international tourists and earned over $780 million in income—a historic accomplishment. The first three quarters of 2025 saw sustained momentum with 248,140 arrivals (a 9.13% increase over 2024), putting the country on course to meet its ambitious goal of one million annual tourists by 2028.
This expansion reflects strategic investments by the Ministry of Tourism and Crafts. In 2024 alone, the sector attracted $2.57 million in investments, creating 2,778 direct jobs and opening 587 new tourism facilities. Priority initiatives include improving domestic air connectivity to remote attractions, rehabilitating national roads, and strengthening professional training for the hotel and restaurant (THR) sectors.
Tourism is expected to contribute 14.9% of national GDP by 2025, confirming its role in the economic recovery. The island's appeal lies in its unique biodiversity—hosting 3% of global biodiversity on less than 0.5% of Earth's land area. From beach vacations on Nosy Be to wildlife encounters in national parks and adventure in the Tsaranoro massif, the offerings are diverse.
Tourism is increasingly providing economic alternatives to deforestation and resource exploitation. Visitor spending contributes directly to conservation efforts while improving local livelihoods—a sustainability model that has attracted environmentally aware visitors from all over the world.
