The British government has issued advice against all non-urgent travel to Madagascar, threatening to undermine the fragile tourism economy of one of Africa’s poorest countries.

The decision by the Foreign Office follows a series of political clashes in the capital, Antananarivo. But tour operators argue that parts of the country visited by tourists, including beaches and wildlife reserves, are unaffected.

Judith de Witt, director of the Africa specialist, Rainbow Tours, accuses the Foreign Office of “discriminating” against Madagascar.

She says: “The Foreign Office advice is incomprehensible. It’s advising against all non-essential travel to all of Madagascar, despite the fact that there has been little trouble outside of the capital since the end of January.

“The Foreign Office claims to base its advice on information received from British embassies, consulates and high commissions, the intelligence services and local knowledge.

“But Britain no longer has an embassy in Madagascar and it is ‘covered’ by the British High Commission in Mauritius.

“There are no tribal hatreds in Madagascar, there is no animosity towards foreigners, no tourists have been injured, or even caught up in the troubles, and the disruption appears to be subsiding. Most tourists visit remote wildlife reserves where they are in no more danger than they ever were.

“This travel advice is causing profound damage to the already fragile tourism economy, one that has been painstakingly built up in recent years and not only brings money and employment to one of the poorest countries in Africa but a critical impetus to conservation.

“It is difficult to understand why the Foreign Office is discriminating against Madagascar in this way.”