Barely out of the health crisis linked to the Cavid pandemic, the tourism sector is currently facing a new test because of the crisis prevailing in the country.
The situation is becoming more and more disturbing on the side of the tour operators. Indeed, these tourism professionals are currently reporting a wave of cascade cancellations of reservations made by international travelers who planned to come to Madagascar from the beginning of October. Countries like England, Germany and France also recommend their nationals to go to the country, except for essential reasons. “We are not yet able to provide specific statistics on the total number of reservations for reservations by international tourists, but the trend is alarming. For example, a group of British tourists had planned a trip to the big island at the beginning of next month, but everything was canceled on the instruction of the UK authorities. Other VIP customers, French nationals, are not authorized by their government to come here either. Tourists from the United Arab Emirates also canceled their stay in Madagascar ”deplored Bako Nirinaliajao, president of the association of travel agencies in Madagascar.
Canceled flights
While Madagascar is currently going through a high tourist season, professionals in the sector are ringing the alarm in the face of this new crisis. The period between September and November is indeed an ideal season for tourists passionate of nature, especially those who come to discover the exceptional biodiversity of the country and observe the many species of endemic birds of the Big Island. “However, all reservations are canceled”she said. And that’s not all. “Several international tourists also find themselves blocked at the moment in various regions, notably in Toliara, Morondava, Taolagnaro and Nosy Be. Just for our travel agency, 20 tourists could not be transported yesterday by domestic flight when they had to take a long-haul flight today. Some airlines, such as France and Emirates, have decided to cancel their flights planned for today and tomorrow because of the situation prevailing in the country. As for Ethiopian Airlines, she removed her night flights following the establishment of the state by the state. All this requires significant logistical reorganization to help tourists regain their respective countries ”chained the president of the association of travel agencies of Madagascar.
Full reimbursement
The disastrous consequences of this crisis seem endless for operators in the tourism sector. “The issuing tour operators also require the full reimbursement of reservations payments. Indeed, some customers have already settled all of their stay. Faced with the magnitude of the cancellations of reservations of international tourists, we call for an urgent intervention by the Ministry of Tourism and Crafts, in close collaboration with the Confederation of Tourism of Madagascar, in order to find a compromise between all stakeholders. At the same time, we try to negotiate with tourists so that they agree to postpone their trip to subsequent dates ”she added.
Unemployment
This tourist operator said the financial losses caused by these various challenges are considerable. “There will certainly be a reduction in staff, with the use of technical unemployment, due to the massive cancellation of reservations for international tourists. In addition, all the actors concerned must question themselves and reflect on the way in which Madagascar can prepare to restore its coat of arms and strengthen its visibility during the next international fairs. It is urgent to define the most relevant communication strategies now to reassure foreign partners and tourists, in order to relaunch this already weakened sector ”A Concline Bako Nirinajao.
Navalona R.
The Crisis article: Several tourists blocked in the regions, cascade cancellations of reservations appeared first in Midi Madagasikara.