Summary
The fully booked Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner landed over the weekend carrying holidaymakers eager to explore Tanzania’s world-renowned wildlife, pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage, marking a significant milestone in the country’s drive to diversify its tourism markets.
DAR ES SALAAM: Barely a week after President Samia Suluhu Hassan concluded her official visit to Russia, Tanzania is already reaping the benefits of her tourism diplomacy, with hundreds of Russian tourists arriving in the country aboard Air Tanzania Company Limited’s (ATCL) inaugural direct flight from Moscow.
The fully booked Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner landed over the weekend carrying holidaymakers eager to explore Tanzania’s world-renowned wildlife, pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage, marking a significant milestone in the country’s drive to diversify its tourism markets.
Speaking to journalists aboard the inaugural flight, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, described the development as a historic breakthrough in Tanzania’s tourism partnership with Russia.
She said the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Tanzania and Russia has opened a new chapter in tourism cooperation and economic diplomacy, with the arrival of the first group of Russian tourists providing immediate proof of the agreement’s success.
“This is truly a historic moment. As you can see, the aircraft is full, bringing a large number of tourists who have chosen Tanzania as their destination to experience our spectacular attractions. This is a promising beginning to a partnership that will benefit both countries,” Dr Kijaji said.
She credited the achievement to President Samia’s strategic efforts to open new international tourism markets, noting that the overwhelming response to the inaugural direct flight reflects the growing appeal of Tanzania among Russian travellers.
According to Dr Kijaji, the government now expects a dramatic increase in tourist arrivals from Russia, targeting between 200,000 and 500,000 visitors annually by the end of 2026, compared to the approximately 17,000 Russian tourists previously recorded.
She also revealed that Tanzanian tour operators who accompanied the government delegation during Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings in Russia have welcomed the initiative, saying it enabled them to establish valuable partnerships with Russian travel companies and unlock new commercial opportunities.
“The response from our private sector has been extremely positive. These engagements have created new business links that will strengthen Tanzania’s competitiveness in the global tourism industry,” she said.
One of the tourists, Ola Vlandamir, said he was inspired to visit Tanzania after seeing promotional campaigns showcasing the country’s tourism attractions.
“I have always wanted to visit Tanzania. I look forward to experiencing Zanzibar’s beautiful beaches and the incredible wildlife in Serengeti National Park,” he said.
The arrival of the first direct flight from Russia signals a major boost to Tanzania’s tourism sector and highlights the growing impact of President Samia’s economic diplomacy, which continues to open new markets, attract international visitors and strengthen the country’s position as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations.
