Madagascar Tourism & Air Austral Forge Strategic Alliance to Boost Indian Ocean Travel
Saint-Denis, Réunion — In a landmark move to strengthen regional tourism, the National Tourism Office of Madagascar (ONTM) and the airline Air Austral officially signed a strategic partnership agreement today, April 30, 2026.
The agreement was finalized in Saint-Denis by Mr. Hugues Marchessaux, Chairman of the Management Board of Air Austral, and Mr. Danny Barivelo, Director General of the ONTM. This “historic” collaboration is designed to enhance Madagascar’s visibility across target markets, specifically Réunion and mainland France.
Direct Support for Global Promotion
Under the terms of the agreement, Air Austral will provide concrete logistical support for ONTM’s promotional initiatives. This includes the provision of airline tickets for:
- International Trade Fairs: Facilitating Malagasy representation at global summits.
- Media Outreach: Hosting “eductours” (educational tours) for travel agents, alongside sponsored trips for international journalists and influencers.
- Industry Support: Providing preferential fare conditions for ONTM-member tourism operators traveling to major events, such as the IFTM Top Resa in Paris this September.
Spotlight on ITM 2026
A key pillar of the partnership is Air Austral’s commitment to the 12th edition of the International Tourism Fair (ITM), scheduled to take place at the CCI Ivato in Antananarivo from June 11 to 14, 2026. Beyond its official participation, the airline will sponsor the event by offering international travel prizes, aiming to drive attendance and engagement at the Indian Ocean’s premier tourism gathering.
Strategic Regional Connectivity
The partnership marks a vital step in consolidating regional air links. By aligning the national tourism strategy with Air Austral’s regional hub, the two entities aim to make Madagascar a more accessible and attractive destination for European and regional travelers.
“This partnership is about more than just travel; it is about consolidating our regional connectivity and promoting Madagascar’s primary tourism assets to the world,” said Danny Barivelo during the signing ceremony.
