According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism and its related economic activities generate 11% of Global Domestic Product, employ 200 million people, and transport nearly 700 million international travelers per year. This figure is expected to double by 2020.

Tourism also represents one of the top five exports for 83%of all countries and is the main source of foreign currency for 38% of countries. Simply put, tourism is one of the largest, perhaps the largest, industry on our planet.

In the last decade, nature and adventure travel has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments of this industry. More and more tourists are seeking out nature and the thrill of exploring remote, wild places like Madagascar.

How tourism grows and develops in Madagascar is of great consequence to the future of the country's biodiversity riches and conservation. Tourism also affects local people whose lives will be impacted by the industry's growth. By linking tourism with biodiversity, conservation and consideration of the local communities' well-being, we can develop strategies that both conserve Earth's most endangered ecosystems and make a significant contribution to society at the same time.

The Visit Madagascar site was designed to help travelers learn more about Madagascar and to help them plan the richest experience possible while having the lightest "footprint" on nature. Visit Madagascar is also meant to connect Madagascar's tourism industry with conservation. We will continue to add to this site and develop it into the best resource for visiting Madagascar.