Madagascar Signs Cooperation Agreement with Good People International to Boost its Tourism and Handicrafts, Focusing on the Agrotourism, Cultural Exports and Eco-tourism Growth

Published on December 5, 2025

In a bid to develop its tourism and handicrafts industries, Madagascar has strengthened its cooperation with foreign partners by signing a new agreement with the South Korean organization Good People International, whose extensive experience in implementing community-based development projects is widely recognized. The new agreement signed last week by the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts renews a cooperation that has been in place since 2010, aiming at sustainable development of industries and cultural growth within the island nation.

This partnership stands to capitalize on Madagascar’s special cultural and natural resources to further its tourism and handicrafts production, ensuring that this is done sustainably and for the benefit of the host communities. As such, the proposed collaboration will open new opportunities both in the tourism and local handicraft sector by applying Good People International’s long years of experience in community support and income-generating activities. These initiatives have the potential to make considerable changes in the tourism industry of Madagascar by strengthening the drivers of international tourist arrivals, improving the visitor experience, and managing tourism in a way that protects the environment and demonstrates cultural sustainability.

Creating a Madagascar Tourism Promotion Office in South Korea

A major component of the partnership is the establishment of a Madagascar Tourism Promotion Office in South Korea. This office is expected to play a crucial role in raising Madagascar’s profile within the Asian market and attracting more visitors from South Korea. The office will focus on promoting Madagascar’s diverse tourism offerings, which include everything from its rich biodiversity and iconic natural sites to its cultural heritage and handicraft traditions.

By establishing a presence in South Korea, a country with a growing interest in cultural tourism, Madagascar is aiming to create a stronger tourism connection with Asian markets, helping to boost international arrivals. This move is part of the country’s larger tourism strategy to increase its visibility and attract more visitors from key global markets, especially in light of its goal of reaching 1 million visitors by 2028.

The impact on tourism from South Korea, particularly among the younger generation, is expected to be substantial. As the Asian travel market continues to grow, Madagascar’s positioning in this key region could significantly increase visitor traffic, promote cultural exchanges, and expand the country’s global tourism footprint.

Fostering Sustainable Agrotourism and Ecotourism Projects

The pilot project for agrotourism and ecotourism in Moramanga, focusing on macadamia cultivation, is another significant initiative under the new agreement. Agrotourism and ecotourism are relatively underdeveloped in Madagascar but hold significant potential for diversifying the nation’s tourism offerings. The partnership will develop tourism experiences that focus on local agricultural practices, sustainable ecotourism activities, and the preservation of Madagascar’s rich environment.

This pilot project will not only benefit local communities by creating sustainable income-generating activities but also provide tourists with the opportunity to engage in eco-friendly travel while supporting local agriculture. Macadamia cultivation is just one of many agricultural tourism projects that could attract travelers looking for authentic and sustainable travel experiences. Ecotourism initiatives in Madagascar have the potential to increase the country’s appeal to environmentally conscious travelers, adding a new dimension to the tourism offering that focuses on sustainability and conservation.

The impact on tourism is expected to be twofold—attracting nature-based tourists and those seeking to support eco-conscious travel while improving local livelihoods and contributing to environmental preservation. As ecotourism continues to grow globally, Madagascar is well-positioned to become a leader in this field, attracting international tourists who want to connect with nature in a responsible way.

Promoting Malagasy Products in High-Value Tourism Packages

In addition to tourism development, the agreement also aims to promote Malagasy cocoa, coffee, and handicraft products through the integration of these goods into high-value tourism packages. This initiative focuses on creating new markets for local goods by emphasizing local transformation and upgrading production chains to create more value-added products. By doing so, Madagascar hopes to ensure that its artisans and farmers receive fair economic returns, fostering sustainable community development.

The focus on handicrafts and agricultural products is a key part of the broader effort to create a circular economy within Madagascar’s tourism sector. By enhancing the quality of local goods and connecting them to international markets, the country is set to grow its artisan industries, offering visitors a more authentic experience while also benefiting local communities. This approach is expected to significantly boost the tourism industry by offering more high-value tourism products that integrate cultural experiences and local goods.

The tourism impact of this initiative will not only be seen in increased tourist spending but also in the ability of local communities to capitalize on cultural and agricultural products. This will contribute to the economic empowerment of local artisans and farmers, strengthening the local economy while preserving traditional Malagasy crafts.

Leveraging Good People International’s Expertise in Community Development

The collaboration with Good People International is significant due to the organization’s long-standing expertise in community-based projects and income-generating activities. This partnership will help Madagascar adapt operational solutions to the needs of its tourism and handicraft sectors. The goal is to ensure that community participation remains at the heart of the development process, with a focus on sustainability and cultural preservation.

The integration of sustainable practices into both the tourism and handicraft sectors will be critical for ensuring the long-term viability and resilience of Madagascar’s cultural and environmental assets. By working closely with Good People International, the Ministry of Tourism hopes to empower local communities, helping them develop the necessary skills to succeed in eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and artisan crafts.

Tourism and Handicraft Synergy: Strengthening Madagascar’s Global Competitiveness

This agreement also marks a significant step toward strengthening Madagascar’s global competitiveness in the tourism and handicraft sectors. By diversifying its tourism offerings, focusing on sustainability, and collaborating with international partners like Good People International, Madagascar is setting itself up as a unique destination for travelers seeking both cultural immersion and sustainable travel experiences.

With a focus on artisan training, the modernization of production chains, and the promotion of high-potential natural sites, Madagascar is on track to create new tourism circuits that allow local communities to generate sustainable income while preserving the country’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. The tourism impact will also include creating economic opportunities for marginalized communities, ensuring the growth of inclusive tourism that benefits all.

A Vision for 2028 and Beyond

The partnership with Good People International is, therefore, part of a broader vision for Madagascar’s tourism and handicraft sectors toward long-term development and sustainable growth. Receiving 1 million visitors by 2028 is not only about higher tourism revenue, but it’s also about achieving a more equitable and sustainable tourism model for the benefit of local communities and travelers alike.

In this way, Madagascar strengthens its position among travelers who value authenticity, respect cultural heritage, and adhere to environmentally responsible tourism principles. The new cooperation agreement sets the stage for a replicable model for sustainable tourism across other regions in the world where cultural preservation and economic development go hand in hand.