2003年-世界发展银行全球_Republic_of_Madagascar___Tourism_Sector_Study_141页_761kb

Summary of the Republic of Madagascar: Tourism Sector Study

Core Content

This report presents a comprehensive analysis of the tourism sector in Madagascar, highlighting its potential and challenges. It emphasizes the need for a strategic, multi-sectoral approach to tourism development that considers economic, environmental, and social dimensions, especially the role of community participation. The study includes data from surveys of hotels and tourism establishments, as well as insights into the sector's impact on employment, foreign exchange, and poverty reduction.

Main Points

1. Tourism as a Development Tool

• Tourism can drive economic growth, diversify the economy, and alleviate poverty.
• It creates backward and forward linkages with other sectors.
• The sector has significant unrealized potential, especially in ecotourism and community-based tourism.
• A sound business plan, effective environmental strategy, and social inclusion framework are mutually reinforcing.

2. Comparative Advantage

• Madagascar has a unique asset base due to its high level of endemism (95% of its flora and fauna are endemic).
• It features 16 National Parks and other protected areas covering 3% of the land, along with four marine parks.
• The country is a prime ecotourism destination, with natural attractions like the Tsingy Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve and marine mega-fauna.
• It has potential as a cruise destination, with several lines already including it in their itineraries.

3. Tourism Asset Base

• The asset base is well-studied and supported by international funding and technical assistance.
• However, data on tourism demand, such as the number of tourists and their spending, are limited and unreliable.
• In 1999, official estimates of foreign visitors were over 160,000, while bonafide tourists were estimated between 68,000 and 100,000.
• French tourists dominate arrivals, accounting for 60%, due to historical, cultural, and logistical reasons.
• The average length of stay is around 20 days, but may be slightly less.
• Hotel capacity increased between 1999 and mid-2001, but average hotel size decreased from 13 to 10 rooms.

4. Poverty and Tourism

• Tourism can create jobs and income for local communities.
• However, poverty negatively affects the quality of tourism assets, such as through deforestation and over-fishing.
• NGOs have supported community-based tourism projects, which can serve as models for replication.
• A centralized database on Pro-Poor Tourism (PPT) would help the government develop policies and integrate PPT into sector planning.

5. Tourism and the Environment

• Tourism, when properly managed, can support environmental conservation and provide funding for it.
• Entrance fees, taxes, and voluntary contributions can be used to protect natural and cultural resources.
• Hotel accreditation that reflects environmental standards can enhance the island's image and serve as a marketing tool.
• The government and private sector need to collaborate to ensure sustainable use of tourism assets.

6. Sector Administration

• The Ministry of Tourism has capable leadership but is underfunded and ineffective.
• It has not successfully classified tourism as an export industry or secured additional resources for infrastructure and promotion.
• ANGAP (National Park Management Association) manages protected areas effectively but faces short-term funding issues.
• The MDT (Maison du Tourisme) is a private sector umbrella organization that could help unify the industry, but its structure and funding need improvement.
• A new Office du Tourisme is being considered to promote the country.

7. Constraints to Tourism Growth

• Demand Side: Untapped potential due to poor promotion and lack of brand name hotels.
• Supply Side: Limited accommodation and transport infrastructure, especially for internal travel.
• Air Transport: High costs and lack of competition limit access.
• Road Network: Only 7,000 km are weatherproof, and many tourist sites lack adequate road access.
• Internal Air Travel: Unreliable and expensive.
• Taxes and Costs: High tax burden and inflation increase the cost of tourism packages.
• Regulatory Environment: Uncertainty, red tape, and arbitrary decision-making deter investment.
• Communication Costs: High and burdensome for small businesses, especially handicrafts.

Key Recommendations

• Develop a comprehensive master plan and action program for tourism.
• Improve data collection and analysis on tourism demand and supply.
• Promote Pro-Poor Tourism (PPT) through centralized information and policy development.
• Enhance environmental management through accreditation and partnerships with NGOs.
• Strengthen sector administration by improving the Ministry of Tourism's budget and effectiveness.
• Establish a more efficient and transparent business environment to attract investment.
• Improve air and road infrastructure and promote the country through better marketing and branding.
• Address the high cost of communication and taxes to make tourism more competitive.

Conclusion

Madagascar has significant tourism potential due to its unique natural and cultural assets. However, the sector's growth is hindered by a range of constraints, including inadequate infrastructure, poor promotion, and an uncertain regulatory environment. A strategic, integrated approach is essential to unlock this potential and ensure sustainable and equitable development.