In light of the continuing political turmoil in Madagascar and the effect this is having on inbound travel, Madagascar’s National Tourism Board released a statement on Thursday, February 26. The press release confirms that tourist activities are carrying on, that economic activity (interrupted in Antananarivo due to riots and strikes) is back to normal and that tourists who have been travelling in Madagascar over the last month have not been affected by the turmoil.
Tour operator Jenman Safaris (Newsletter, February 19) acknowledgse the unrest and that the political situation remains volatile. However, it stresses: “Airlines have confirmed that despite the political turmoil, flights will take off as normal and it will have little effect on inbound tourists. Airlines and Jenman Safaris will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated.” Jenman has also promised clients who booked for next week a 100% refund on ground services, but urge travellers due to come later to monitor the situation before cancelling.
Opposition parties have been involved in negotiations, mediated by the Council of Churches, since Saturday. However, according to latest news reports, negotiations broke down on Wednesday and supporters of opposition leader and ex-Antananarivo mayor, Andry Rajoelina, were preparing to once again take to the streets on Thursday morning.
