Prime Magazine October 2019

FEATURE | INTERVIEW
Et ce qui est certain, c’est que Nosy-Be est ma
maison... On se connaît tous... C’est tellement agréable
d’avoir un chez soi que l’on a plaisir à promouvoir.
Which is your favourite spot on Nosy-Be?
I was born on Nosy-Be and I spent my early years
in Andrafia, a small village three kilometres to the
north-east of the airport of Fascène. The village is still
very remote and to this day has not been connected
to the water network or to the electricity grid. The
solidarity between the villagers is a childhood memory
that nurtures me and makes me want to conserve
the island’s ethics, develop the destination and make
it known all over the world. So, to come back to the
question, my favourite spot is the village in the north of
Nosy-Be, where everything has remained unspoilt and
conversations are always simple.
What I’m certain of is that Nosy-Be is my home,
everyone knows everyone else: it’s really great to have
a home I can promote.
Comment équilibrez-vous le tourisme croissant de
Nosy Be avec le respect des traditions malagasy
locales ?
Nosy-Be est très réputée pour sa conservation
culturelle. C’est d’ailleurs une des attractions
touristiques (l’intégration, l’immersion, la découverte
culturelle) qui intéressent un grand nombre de
touristes. En arrivant sur place, on se rend très vite
compte de l’importance des traditions et la volonté de
les respecter et de contribuer à leur conservation n'est
jamais très loin.
Les Nosybéens sont conscients que la conservation
des traditions, de la culture, des fomba, des us et
coutumes participent grandement à la richesse de
Nosy-Be et à son attrait touristique. Nous tenons donc
à nos traditions et sommes fiers de les respecter.
Concernant les traditions culinaires, je suis persuadé
que les repas et spécialités locales restent inoubliables
pour les touristes. La fraîcheur de nos produits de
la mer dans les petits restaurants locaux (un pur
bonheur!) ravissent tout le monde. On y croise même
des touristes de luxe qui se font un plaisir de passer
dans les gargottes !
How do you create a balance between the everincreasing
tourism on Nosy-Be and the respect for
local Malagasy traditions, including taboo places
and food?
Nosy-Be is reputed for the conservation of its
culture. In fact, this is one of its tourist attractions
(integration, immersion, discovery of the culture), that
a lot of tourists come here for. When they arrive and
discover this, they become aware of the importance of
conserving it.
The population of Nosy-Be understands that
conserving the traditions, the culture, the fomba and
the customs is part of the wealth of the island and
that this is what attracts tourists. Our traditions are
very dear to us and we are proud to present them to
everyone from the west who comes to visit us.
As for the food, I am convinced that the meals
and the local specialities will remain unforgettable
memories for tourists. The fresh seafood served in
our little local restaurants is a true delight and even
tourists staying in five-star hotels often go there to eat.
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