Madagascar Names Lucie Vololoniaina Minister of Tourism and Crafts to Boost Sustainable Tourism and Artisan-Led Inclusive Growth

Published on October 31, 2025

The appointment of Lucie Vololoniaina as the new Minister of Tourism and Crafts, following the cabinet reshuffle that saw Viviane Dewa leave office, marks a significant move by Madagascar to strengthen its tourism and creative sectors. This appointment ushers in a new era for Madagascar’s strategy for tourism, which is now fully oriented toward sustainability, local empowerment, and the promotion of this island nation worldwide as an ideal destination for eco-tourism, culture, and craftsmanship.

A Strategic Appointment in a Transformative Period

The appointment of Lucie Vololoniaina comes at a critical juncture when Madagascar’s tourism industry is working to recover and expand after several years of challenges posed by the pandemic and global economic shifts. The new minister inherits a portfolio that is crucial to the country’s economy — one that accounts for a significant share of national revenue and provides livelihoods to thousands of people in the hospitality, craft, and heritage sectors.

Her leadership is expected to build on ongoing initiatives while introducing new policies that align tourism development with environmental conservation and community resilience. Vololoniaina is widely respected for her strategic vision and background in sustainable development, which aligns with Madagascar’s commitment to creating a balanced model of growth that benefits both people and nature.

Strengthening Madagascar’s Global Tourism Brand

Under Minister Vololoniaina’s leadership, the Ministry of Tourism and Crafts aims to enhance Madagascar’s global profile as a destination known for its breathtaking biodiversity, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Plans include stronger marketing campaigns targeting key international markets, participation in major global tourism fairs, and improved partnerships with international tour operators and regional tourism bodies within the Indian Ocean and African Union frameworks.

The focus will also be on diversifying the tourism product — expanding beyond the traditional eco-tourism appeal to include adventure tourism, heritage travel, and creative experiences. The ministry plans to collaborate with private-sector partners and community-based organizations to develop tourism routes that highlight Madagascar’s artisanal culture, traditional villages, and natural reserves.

Empowering Artisans and Fostering Cultural Industries

One of the ministry’s core goals is to revitalize Madagascar’s crafts and creative industries, which are an integral part of the country’s identity and economy. Lucie Vololoniaina has already emphasized the importance of supporting local artisans by increasing access to training, funding, and international markets.

To achieve this, the ministry will establish partnerships with artisanal cooperatives, NGOs, and foreign embassies to promote Made in Madagascar products globally. Programs to strengthen the value chain of artisanal production—from design innovation to fair-trade distribution—will be launched to ensure that craftspeople benefit directly from tourism revenues.

The minister has also committed to integrating cultural heritage into tourism development, ensuring that traditional Malagasy crafts, textiles, and woodwork continue to thrive while serving as a draw for international visitors seeking authentic experiences.

Aligning Growth with Sustainability

Environmental sustainability is a cornerstone of Madagascar’s new tourism policy. The ministry plans to reinforce the country’s reputation as one of the world’s top eco-tourism destinations, balancing visitor access with biodiversity conservation.

The government will prioritize the protection of Madagascar’s national parks and marine reserves, while working with international partners to fund sustainable infrastructure that reduces environmental impact. Initiatives such as the development of green accommodations, eco-friendly transport, and low-impact tourism routes will be expanded under Vololoniaina’s tenure.

Additionally, the ministry intends to promote community-based tourism models that empower local people to manage tourism activities in protected areas. By integrating education, training, and environmental stewardship, these initiatives aim to create a mutually beneficial relationship between tourism and conservation.

Building Partnerships Across the Tourism Value Chain

The Ministry of Tourism and Crafts is expected to strengthen its partnerships across both public and private sectors. Collaboration will focus on developing investment opportunities in the tourism industry, particularly in infrastructure, hospitality, and transportation.

Lucie Vololoniaina has stated that public-private partnerships (PPP) will be key to accelerating progress. This includes engaging with local entrepreneurs, foreign investors, and development partners to create a conducive environment for responsible investment. Such collaboration will help modernize the tourism sector, improve visitor facilities, and increase Madagascar’s international competitiveness.

Tourism as a Driver for Inclusive Growth

The new minister has outlined an inclusive vision for tourism, where the benefits reach all communities, especially those in rural and coastal regions. Under her leadership, the ministry will work to ensure that tourism revenues directly support infrastructure development, education, and women-led enterprises.

Artisan cooperatives, many of which are run by women, will receive new technical and financial support to expand their reach and strengthen their role within the creative economy. This community-oriented approach will foster economic empowerment and preserve Madagascar’s cultural heritage while improving the quality of life for local residents.

Reinforcing International Cooperation and Visibility

The ministry will also focus on improving international connectivity, especially with major tourism markets such as France, Germany, South Africa, and Mauritius. Vololoniaina’s leadership will prioritize collaborations with international tourism organizations, including the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and African Tourism Board, to increase Madagascar’s participation in global tourism initiatives.

Madagascar’s participation in eco-tourism forums, craft fairs, and film festivals will also play a key role in building the island’s image as a diverse, sustainable destination that blends natural beauty with cultural sophistication.

Looking Ahead: A Unified Vision for 2026 and Beyond

Madagascar embarks on implementing its Tourism and Crafts Development Plan 2026, the leadership of Minister Lucie Vololoniaina will prove crucial in tuning tourism growth to achieve overall national goals. She will focus on training programs for the youth in hospitality and craft sectors, creating new cultural routes, and improving tourism governance through digitization and performance monitoring.

The tourism and craft sectors in Madagascar are, therefore, poised to embark on a new journey of growth and international recognition with a focus on sustainability, community involvement, and innovation. Vololoniaina’s appointment has been hailed throughout the industry as a strong beginning for eco-conscious tourism and the preservation of Madagascar’s cultural heritage for the future.