New Opportunities for Malagasy Ports

The Malagasy Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Lily Rafaralahy, met with several major international cruise lines during her mission to France in mid-May.

The tour began in Marseille, where the Malagasy delegation met with representatives from Ponant. Discussions included the COO & General Secretary and the Port Operations Director. Specializing in high-end cruises, the company operates small-capacity ships that can carry between 150 and 200 passengers per voyage.

Following these discussions, Ponant announced a program of 36 to 40 port calls in Madagascar for the 2026-2027 season, between November and March. These calls will cover several coastal areas and are expected to boost local tourism.

Furthermore, MSC Cruises, the world’s third-largest cruise line and the European leader in the sector, also plans to strengthen its presence in the country. The company plans five port calls during the same period, with ships carrying between 3,000 and 7,000 passengers on each voyage.

MSC Cruises emphasizes the need to modernize the port infrastructure of Toliara and Taolagnaro to meet the international standards required by large cruise ships. The operator has also expressed interest in participating in the project through a public-private partnership. The goal is to improve the regularity of port calls and increase passenger capacity.

Beyond infrastructure, discussions also focus on local economic benefits. The project includes the installation of craft markets and ATMs in the cruise ship areas. These amenities facilitate local shopping and promote Malagasy handicrafts.