ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR – Seychelles Tourism Ambassador-at-Large, Alain St.Ange, is set to travel to Madagascar from 15 to 20 November 2026 on a high-level Official Working Mission aimed at strengthening the island nation's tourism visibility, expanding regional cooperation and positioning northern Madagascar as a more prominent destination within the Indian Ocean tourism landscape.
The mission follows an official initiative launched on 16 August 2026 by Dr Herilaza Hugues Randrianjohany, Chairman of the Board of Madagascar’s Diego Suarez Regional Tourism Office, through a formal approach to the President of the Republic of Seychelles, His Excellency Dr Patrick Herminie, via the Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora. The initiative subsequently received the approval of the Seychellois Government through Mrs Sherin Francis of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
The Diego Suarez Regional Tourism Office, working in collaboration with the Madagascar National Tourism Office, will welcome the distinguished delegation, which will be led by Alain St.Ange and include Mr Pascal Viroleau, Chief Executive Officer of the Vanilla Islands Organisation.
Ambassador St.Ange brings considerable international tourism experience and regional influence to the mission. Widely recognised as one of the founding personalities behind the creation of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Organisation, he served as its first President and played an instrumental role in establishing a common regional tourism identity for the Indian Ocean islands.
His invitation to Madagascar reflects the country's ambition to draw on his expertise, international relationships and extensive tourism network to help Diego Suarez and northern Madagascar emerge as stronger and more competitive players in the regional and international tourism marketplace.
A Strategic Mission to Unlock Northern Madagascar’s Tourism Potential
The official programme will commence in Antananarivo with high-level meetings with the Malagasy Government. These discussions will present the initiative to the country's highest authorities, reaffirm Madagascar's place within the regional Vanilla Islands tourism strategy and seek the institutional support necessary to advance the proposed cooperation.
The delegation will then travel to northern Madagascar for an immersive programme designed to showcase the region's extraordinary natural, cultural, historical and hospitality assets.
The discovery programme will include the spectacular Red Tsingy, a striking natural landscape of laterite formations sculpted by erosion from the Irodo River. The delegation will also explore Diego Suarez, a destination distinguished by its rich historical heritage, vibrant cultural identity and growing hospitality infrastructure.
Further highlights will include visits to the magnificent Montagne des Français and the world-renowned Three Bays, followed by lunch in the coastal village of Ramena. The programme will place particular emphasis on the destination's culinary heritage, local gastronomy and the opportunities offered by authentic, experience-driven tourism.
Bringing the Tourism Industry Together
A major highlight of the mission will be a strategic meeting at the Grand Hôtel, bringing together local authorities, tourism operators, institutional partners, private-sector representatives and the Diego Suarez Regional Tourism Office.
The meeting will focus on practical opportunities to integrate northern Madagascar's tourism products into multi-island travel experiences and combined Vanilla Islands itineraries.
The objective is to move beyond regional cooperation as a concept and translate it into tangible commercial opportunities, stronger tourism partnerships and greater international market visibility.
Opening Doors to International Markets and Investment
The visit is expected to create important opportunities for Madagascar's tourism industry, with several strategic objectives at its core:
Integrated regional tourism products: Developing attractive multi-destination itineraries that showcase Madagascar alongside other Vanilla Islands destinations.
International business partnerships: Establishing B2B connections with selected international tour operators, travel agencies and tourism distributors.
Greater destination visibility: Strengthening northern Madagascar's profile and credibility in an increasingly competitive international tourism marketplace.
Access to cruise tourism opportunities: Leveraging Ambassador St.Ange's extensive international network to open discussions with cruise companies and key tourism stakeholders.
Investment mobilisation: Encouraging institutional partners and potential investors to explore hotel development and tourism infrastructure opportunities.
International media exposure: Generating sustained international attention that reflects the exceptional tourism potential of Diego Suarez and northern Madagascar.
Madagascar's tourism stakeholders are particularly looking forward to benefiting from Ambassador St.Ange's extensive international contacts, his longstanding relationships within the global tourism industry and his understanding of how destinations can build successful regional partnerships.
The participation of Pascal Viroleau, CEO of the Vanilla Islands Organisation, further reinforces the strategic importance of the mission and its connection to the wider regional tourism framework.
A New Chapter for Madagascar Within the Vanilla Islands
This Official Working Mission represents an important opportunity for Madagascar to strengthen its regional tourism positioning while showcasing the remarkable diversity of its northern territory to international markets.
By bringing together political and institutional engagement, tourism expertise, private-sector collaboration and international networking, the initiative seeks to establish a foundation for long-term cooperation and commercially sustainable tourism development.
For Diego Suarez and northern Madagascar, the November mission is more than a promotional visit. It is an opportunity to open new doors, build meaningful partnerships and ensure that the destination receives the international recognition its extraordinary natural and cultural attractions deserve.
The message is clear: Madagascar has much to offer, and northern Madagascar is ready to take its place more prominently on the international tourism stage.
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