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IN BRIEF
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On June 28 in Dar es Salam, the African scene of tourism resonated with the rhythm of the World Travel Awards, where Madagascar delivered a remarkable performance: 18 nominations in the Indian Ocean category and five trophies won. The country honors major players — Hertz, Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa, Andilana Beach Resort, and Cactus Tours Madagascar — before a much-anticipated final step: the grand finale scheduled for December 9, 2025 in Bahrain, aiming for global titles such as “Best Global Destination” and “Best Global Initiative in Sustainable Tourism.”
A ranking that honors the Red Island
The 2025 vintage of the World Travel Awards in the Indian Ocean recognized five Malagasy players, marking a structured rise in the country’s offerings. Hertz was crowned leader in car rental in Madagascar, confirming the quality of its network and the reliability of its services on the island. In the hotel sector, the iconic Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa won the title of best hotel in Madagascar, while Andilana Beach Resort established itself as best resort in Madagascar, thanks to a particularly well-crafted beach and family experience. Finally, Cactus Tours Madagascar achieved a strategic double by being recognized as first travel agency in Madagascar and first tour operator in Madagascar, a commendation of its field expertise and ability to design tailor-made itineraries.
An exceptional African evening in Dar es Salam
The ceremony took place at the Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salam, Tanzania, during an evening that highlighted the continent’s growth. Over eighty distinctions celebrated the dynamism of African tourism, a strong signal for destinations investing in quality service, training, and sustainability. In this ambitious context, Madagascar’s performance demonstrates renewed attractiveness, driven by actors capable of competing with the best regional standards.
The momentum of 18 nominations in the Indian Ocean category
Beyond the trophies, the series of 18 nominations for Madagascar in the Indian Ocean category illustrates the density of its tourism ecosystem: hotels, receptive services, mobility services, nature experiences. This plurality confirms a reality: the island is no longer solely prized for its biodiversity and landscapes but also for the increasing maturity of its infrastructure, the professionalization of its operators, and the coherence of value chains serving travelers.
On the way to Bahrain: the grand final 2025
Malagasy laureates will rise to the global stage in December 2025, during the grand final scheduled for December 9 in Bahrain. They will defend their colors against other continents for coveted distinctions, including “Best Global Destination” and “Best Global Initiative in Sustainable Tourism.” Beyond prestige, these titles enhance the quality of welcome, responsible resource management, and innovation serving local communities — dimensions at the core of travelers’ and investors’ expectations.
An accelerator for the Madagascar brand
These awards constitute a powerful lever of visibility for Madagascar. They reassure sending markets, support the upgrading of establishments, and stimulate investment in infrastructures and talent. In the short term, the “label” effect favors an increase in stays and spending per visitor; in the medium term, it consolidates the diversification of products: cultural circuits, eco-adventures, community tourism, wellness experiences, coastal and inland combinations.
Iconic players, signature experiences
The recognition of Princesse Bora Lodge & Spa and Andilana Beach Resort strengthens the attractiveness of the Malagasy coasts, between translucent lagoons, fine sandy beaches, and accommodations designed for both families and travelers seeking intimacy. The double success of Cactus Tours Madagascar highlights the added value of local guiding, managed logistics, and tailor-made experiences: key factors to access exceptional sites, from the Pangalanes Canal to the Tsingy, all while respecting ecosystems.
Quality of service and mobility, a decisive duo
The distinction of Hertz illustrates the importance of mobility in the overall experience: vehicle availability, reliable assistance, territorial coverage. For a vast and contrasting destination like Madagascar, the fluidity of movement conditions the discovery of regions — a necessity that operators are increasingly integrating into their offers combining rental, transfers, and support.
Sustainability and competitiveness: the winning alignment
The World Travel Awards now put a strong emphasis on sustainability. In Madagascar, this dynamic translates into programs for reducing footprint, local supply chains, as well as conservation initiatives and value sharing with communities. This orientation responds to international demand and strengthens competitiveness, especially in European and North American markets sensitive to responsible commitments.
Resonances and inspirations beyond the Indian Ocean
The Malagasy dynamic is part of a broader movement of inspiration and professionalization of travel. To understand how well-thought-out programs enrich the adventure experience, one can explore avenues such as these extensions of programs dedicated to expeditions. In terms of seasonality and choice of destinations, useful insights can be found in this selection of summer destinations. Staging and storytelling, crucial for the attractiveness of a site, are illustrated by the keys to the success of a major theme park. International openness also involves observing emerging markets, like a rising city in North Carolina, while cultural events — such as a light festival in France — illustrate how the cultural agenda boosts flows and the visibility of destinations.
Perspectives for professionals and travelers
For operators, these distinctions call for consolidating service standards, product engineering, and training. For travelers, they signal more fluid, more authentic, and more responsible experiences. With this ranking, Madagascar confirms its place among the key destinations in the Indian Ocean, ready to make a mark on the global stage in 2025.
