Impact of COVID-19 on Tourism in Madagascar

Abstract

COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020, leading to lockdowns, social distancing and travel restrictions in many countries. Madagascar is among the countries most affected by the pandemic. The objective of this article is to understand and analyze the effects of the pandemic on the tourism industry in this country. To assess its impact on tourism, a study was conducted using data from official sources, such as the Ministry of Tourism, the World Bank, various research organizations and some scientific research. Data on tourist arrivals, tourism receipts and tourism GDP were collected and analyzed over a 5-year period, from 2018 to 2022. The results of the study revealed a drastic decline in tourism in Madagascar due to of the pandemic. Tourist arrivals and tourism receipts fell significantly, with a decrease of more than 70% compared to the previous year highlighting the negative economic impact on the sector and the unemployment rate was considerable. The decline in tourism has had major economic repercussions, with significant loss of revenue for businesses in the tourism sector, as well as job losses for tourism workers.

Keywords: COVID-19, Impact, Tourism, Madagascar

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/13-19-04

Publication date: December 31^st 2023