Curious what it’s like to start a job in Madagascar with a remote, dynamic team like GlobalAssist? We asked Elysa, our newest Booking Manager for MadaAssist (our Madagascar branch), to share her experience during her first week on the job. From challenges to exciting wins, here’s a glimpse into life behind the scenes of a remote tourism job in Madagascar.
Background and Joining GlobalAssist
Elysa joined GlobalAssist with over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry. A former seafarer, she returned to Madagascar for family reasons and explored various roles—from tour guide to hotel assistant manager, and even a short stint as a travel agent.
She discovered GlobalAssist’s job opportunity in Madagascar through Facebook. “I was looking for an online job and it appeared at the right time,” she says. Her expectations? “I imagined something like working as a virtual receptionist—answering calls, treating requests, and offering suitable services. And honestly, I was hoping for some financial freedom too,” she laughs.
First Impressions on the Job
“My first day was intense, exciting, and a little frightening—very!” Elysa admits. But her motivation to learn and contribute helped her get through it. Her first impression of the team? “I believe I might enjoy this job if I study well, learn Madagascar’s tourist destinations, and identify reliable suppliers. My coworkers have been incredibly helpful—it’s priceless!”
What surprised her most was being trusted to communicate directly with suppliers and clients on her very first day. “It made me feel responsible and empowered,” she recalls.
Day-to-Day Work and Bookings
During her first week, Elysa handled various requests including airport transfers and custom tours. “My very first client accepted my offer,” she says proudly. “Even though it was just for an airport transfer, it meant a lot to me.”
One challenge was getting a booking request for Ambavaniasy, a place she had never heard of. But instead of giving up, she reached out to family and searched online, even using Facebook and mobile calls to track down reliable local partners.
Another highlight? Helping travelers book a tour in Nosy Be—a place she had recently visited herself. “I loved helping others experience what I enjoyed so much,” she says. For coordination, Elysa used a mix of WhatsApp, Airtable (once she had access), and direct calls with partners.
Challenges and Key Learnings
The biggest challenge in her first week? “Taking requests for places I didn’t know. But it pushed me to research and reach out.” The most satisfying moment? “Clients saying they loved their trip. It’s not unexpected, but it’s always rewarding.”
She’s already learning new things about the tourism industry in Madagascar, especially how clients behave and make decisions. “The link we offer is real. The assistance is precise. We contact local suppliers directly and always look for the most suitable options.”
Working Remotely in Tourism
For those considering a remote tourism job in Madagascar, Elysa offers a helpful perspective: “MadaAssist is different from other platforms because we connect directly to local partners. There’s no generic package—we find what’s best for each client.”
What makes a great Booking Manager? According to Elysa, it’s about understanding the client’s needs, working quickly, and closing the booking successfully. “It’s not just about finding offers—it’s about making the client say yes.”
Looking to the Future
After a strong start, Elysa is excited for what’s next. “I look forward to being more fluent, growing into the team, and knowing Madagascar’s destinations better. I also want to start creating content on social media.”
For anyone thinking of applying for a job at GlobalAssist—whether in Madagascar, Tanzania, or Kenya—she has a message: “There’s nothing to be afraid of. Arm yourself with determination, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.”
Final Thoughts
To potential clients, Elysa adds: “MadaAssist is the best platform to be linked directly to reliable local suppliers. Don’t hesitate to contact us—you’re in good hands.”
And how would she describe her first week in three words? “Engaging, challenging, rewarding.”
If you're looking for a job in Madagascar, remote work in tourism, or a job at GlobalAssist, Elysa’s story is proof that exciting opportunities are out there—especially for those ready to learn, adapt, and grow in a remote-first environment.
