Madagascar unrest topples tourism

Madagascar's political instability over the last two years has severely damaged the country's once flourishing tourism industry, which is a main economic source for the tropical island off the southeastern coast of Africa.<br /><br />Many tourists and foreign investors were scared off by the 2009 coup in which Andry Rajoelina, the opposition leader, dissolved the government and declared himself a transitional president of the country.<br /><br />But Rajoelina also faced a coup attempt that ended last Saturday after the military stormed the revolters' barracks, which has further undermined Madagsacar's image abroad.<br /><br />It came shortly before voters on Monday overwhelmingly backed a new constitution that allows the current president to run for office.<br /><br />Tania Page reports from Antananarivo, the capital, on how a sharp drop in tourism has dramatically dented Madagascar's economy.<br /><br />[November 23, 2010]