Participants from around the world attended this unmissable event. The 5th edition of Festikite Madagascar, organized by Mada Kite Bros in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Crafts, took place last week in Sakalava Bay, Antsiranana. Around a hundred passionate riders, amateur and professional kitesurfers from Madagascar and abroad, participated in this flagship event dedicated to water sports. Sakalava Bay hosted captivating kitesurfing, windsurfing and wingfoil competitions, offering the public impressive demonstrations full of thrills. Festivities also continued on land with traditional outrigger canoe races and beach soccer tournaments on the famous Ramena beach. The festival kickoff had been given earlier in the heart of Diego-Suarez with a colorful carnival.

Showcase for Tourism Potential
Launched in 2022, this international event goes beyond a simple sports competition: it fully fits into Madagascar's strategy for diversifying its tourism offer. The festival showcases the tourism potential of the DIANA region and, more broadly, the Madagascar destination. Globally recognized, Sakalava Bay offers an ideal playground for water sports thanks to its turquoise waters and exceptional wind conditions. Nearby, Ramena beach attracts national and international visitors with its calm waters and blonde sand, perfect for swimming. This traditional fishing village also offers a culinary stop in its seaside eateries, where fresh seafood such as lobsters, crabs, shrimp and grilled fish are served with traditional coconut rice.

Discovering Natural Heritage
Ramena beach also serves as a departure point for sailing pirogues to the Emerald Sea, a vast lagoon bordered by coral reefs at the entrance to Antsiranana Bay. This site owes its name to the turquoise and sparkling hues of its waters, ideal for snorkeling among tropical fish, rays and sea turtles. Beyond beach pleasures and sports adventures, international participants discovered the region's natural and cultural heritage. Among must-see excursions are Amber Mountain National Park and the Red Tsingy, a spectacular geological formation carved from a mixture of sandstone, marl, clay and red laterite.

International Reach
Notably, this 5th edition of Madagascar's Kitesurfing Festival benefited from a strong delegation from Rodrigues Island, led by commissioners for Tourism and Youth and Sports from the regional assembly. On the sports front, the event was marked by the participation of professional Rodriguan rider Jean Anael Leopold, as well as Julien Marvin, kitesurfer, certified instructor and technical expert for water sports events in the Indian Ocean. By highlighting the natural assets of northern Madagascar, Festikite contributes to strengthening the visibility and international reach of the Madagascar destination and actively participates in the country's tourism appeal.