[Madagascar continues to attract travelers, suggesting that its appeal remains strong, even in uncertain times.]

Monkeypox, now widely referred to as MPOX, has emerged as a new public health challenge for Madagascar, placing the island nation in a delicate balancing act. Renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, ancient culture and raw, unspoiled landscapes, Madagascar must now reconcile two vital priorities: protecting its population while safeguarding a tourism sector that remains essential to the national economy. Surprisingly, despite the health crisis, international visitors have not yet turned away in large numbers. In particular, cruise tourism has shown an unexpected resilience.

Test

Across the country, hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, tour guides, artisans and transport operators are watching the situation with growing concern. Memories of the COVID-19 pandemic — border closures, deserted hotels and lost livelihoods — are still fresh. Yet, for now, the feared collapse of tourism has not fully materialized. Madagascar continues to attract travelers, suggesting that its appeal remains strong, even in uncertain times.

Early January delivered an encouraging, if cautious, signal. The luxury cruise ship Le Bellot, operated by the French company Ponant, docked at the port of Mahajanga with 128 tourists on board. This arrival was widely seen as a real-life test: could Madagascar still welcome visitors amid a sensitive health context without endangering local communities or travelers themselves? At least in the short term, the answer appeared to be yes.

Measures

In an official statement, the Ministry of Tourism emphasized that the stopover took place “in strict compliance with the health measures implemented in response to the epidemic.” Mahajanga thus hosted the vessel’s first call of the season under heightened security protocols, demonstrating that the country can remain open to the world — cautiously and responsibly.

For a brief moment, Mahajanga found itself in the spotlight. Cruise passengers explored emblematic sites such as the Cirque Rouge, famous for its striking red rock formations, and the Sacred Lake, a place deeply rooted in local spirituality and tradition. Carefully supervised excursions allowed visitors to experience the essence of Madagascar: spectacular nature, living culture and a strong spiritual heritage woven into everyday life.

Local tour operator Mosatourguide highlighted the importance of this stopover, noting the enthusiasm of visitors who were captivated by the authenticity of the destination, the beauty of its landscapes and the warmth of their welcome. Such testimonies reflect a shared hope among tourism professionals: despite the health crisis, Madagascar continues to inspire.

To preserve this fragile momentum, authorities have imposed strict preventive measures across the entire tourism chain. Wearing masks is now mandatory for staff and clients in hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, tourist sites, craft markets and tourist transport. Enhanced hygiene protocols, regular disinfection, controlled visitor flows and public awareness campaigns have become standard practice.

These requirements come at a cost for already vulnerable businesses, but many acknowledge they are the price to pay to keep operating and avoid a complete shutdown. Tourism in Madagascar is far more than leisure; it sustains thousands of families, from guides and drivers to hoteliers and artisans.

As the MPOX situation evolves, fear and hope coexist. If the crisis persists and traveler confidence wanes, the consequences could be severe. For now, Madagascar is walking a tightrope between health vigilance and economic survival. The arrival of Le Bellot stands as a powerful symbol: even in times of crisis, the island can remain attractive — provided caution, responsibility and collective effort prevail.

Ami Ral

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