SWOT analysis of Madagascar’s Tourism sector

KEY STRENGTHS

・ One of the world’s top “biodiversity hotspots”

・ Rich natural heritage―more than 80% of Madagascar’s flora and fauna are found nowhere else in the world and some taxonomic groups, including reptiles and amphibians, are over 95% endemic

・ Coastal attractions

KEY WEAKNESSES

・ Lack of supportive policies and regulations

・ Investment climate is not conducive to tourism development

・ Weak country credit rating

・ Unfavorable labour relations in the hospitality sector

・ Poor airline connectivity

・ Inadequately skilled labour-force

・ Inadequate funding for tourism initiatives

・ Stiff competition from neighbouring tourism destinations such as Seychelles and Mauritius

KEY OPPORTUNITIES

・ Investment finance through the “Funds For the Promotion of Private Business”

・ Tourism product diversification e.g. adventure, special interest etc.

・ Establishment of ecotourism investment zones

・ Emerging markets in Africa and Asia

KEY THREATS

・ Lack of an “open skies” policy

・ Perceptions of poor governance and political instability

・ degree of environmental and forest degradation

・ Climate change

・ Disaster vulnerability e.g. drought, cyclones, flooding, etc.