The number of trips by Russian tourists to Madagascar has increased in recent years

The flow of Russian tourists to Madagascar has increased in recent years, and the authorities of the republic are actively developing infrastructure, reducing prices for domestic flights, and simplifying visa procedures upon arrival. The press attache of the Russian Embassy in Antananarivo, Edgar Khokhlov, told Izvestia about this.

"In recent years, indeed, the flow of our tourists has increased, but it is too early to talk about any significant figures," the embassy told Izvestia, adding that the issue of introducing a visa-free regime for holders of ordinary passports is not currently being discussed.

The diplomatic mission stressed that, given the importance of the tourism sector in the country's economy, the authorities attach special importance to this issue.

"To attract tourists, local authorities are expanding direct flights to other countries (this issue is not yet being discussed with Russia), it is convenient to obtain visas on arrival, they are building new hotels, especially in the coastal zone, they are building a road from the capital to a large coastal city, and they have reduced prices for domestic flights," said Edgar Khokhlov.

Earlier, on April 15, it was reported that about 900 thousand Russians will be planning to rest abroad from the end of April to May 12. The top destinations for foreign holidays will include Turkey (45%), Egypt (20%), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (11%), Thailand (5.5%), Vietnam (4%). In addition, the rating includes Maldives, Abkhazia, China, sea cruises and a group of post-Soviet countries (primarily Belarus, Georgia and Uzbekistan).