Towards a more modern and competitive tourism training program

The National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (INTH) is entering a new era. Work to modernize its infrastructure will finally begin, after several years of preparation and a delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This project is supported by France, through the French Development Agency (AFD), and marks an important step in strengthening Madagascar’s tourism sector.

At the launch of the project, the French Ambassador to Madagascar, Arnaud Guillois, highlighted three major objectives. “First, it is about boosting tourism and strengthening the attractiveness of Madagascar, an island with exceptional natural, cultural, and human resources,” he declared. The Diplomat also emphasized the importance of training young people in tourism and hospitality careers to improve their employability, both in Madagascar and in the Indian Ocean region and Southern Africa.

Finally, Arnaud Guillois hailed this project as a new strong example of Franco-Malagasy cooperation. He thanked the partners involved: the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Vocational Training, the INTH, the ONTM, the IECD, and, of course, the AFD. “It’s a collective effort,” he concluded.

Founded in 1991, the Institute plays a key role in training professionals in the tourism, hospitality, and restaurant industries. The INTH offers diploma, qualification, and continuing education programs, while supporting industry stakeholders in improving their skills.

The modernization project aims to strengthen this role. Two agreements have been signed with the AFD. The first, signed in July 2019 with the ONTM, provides €2 million in funding to renovate and expand the premises, build a boarding school, and purchase modern equipment.

The second agreement, signed with the IECD, provides technical support to revise training programs, train instructors, create new teaching tools, and develop income-generating activities for the institution.