Tourism cooperation to deepen ties

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA and Russia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen tourism cooperation, marking a significant step in expanding economic ties between the two countries.

The agreement, signed between Tanzania’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development, coincided with the launch of Air Tanzania Company Limited’s (ATCL) inaugural direct flights linking Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Moscow.

Speaking after the signing, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, described the agreement as a milestone in implementing President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitments made during her state visit to Russia in June this year.

“Today marks a historic day for our two countries. This agreement opens a new chapter of cooperation in tourism promotion, skills development and investment,” she said.

Dr Kijaji said the partnership will focus on jointly promoting tourism destinations, facilitating exchanges between tour operators and tourism experts, and strengthening cooperation between training institutions to improve service delivery and competitiveness.

She noted that Russia represents a strategic tourism market, with more than 29 million outbound travellers annually, offering Tanzania significant opportunities to increase visitor arrivals.

The minister also said the agreement would enable the two countries to share expertise in tourism management and prepare for opportunities arising from the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Tanzania will co-host.

On the Russian side, Minister for Economic Development Maxim Gennadievich Reshetnikov said President Vladimir Putin highly values the growing partnership with Tanzania, adding that President Samia’s visit had strengthened bilateral cooperation, particularly in tourism and trade.

The signing came as ATCL officially launched its first direct passenger service between Tanzania and Russia, reducing travel time from up to two days via connecting flights to about 11 hours.

Receiving the inaugural flight at Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport, Minister for Transport, Professor Makame Mbarawa, said the new route fulfils President Samia’s pledge to establish direct air links between the two countries.

Initially operating three flights a week, the service is expected to boost tourism, trade, investment and cultural exchanges.

“We expect passenger numbers to grow significantly. About 17,100 Russian tourists visited Tanzania last year, and direct flights will make the destination even more attractive,” Prof Mbarawa said. ATCL Managing Director Peter Ulanga said the airline had successfully delivered on the government’s commitment to improve international connectivity and urged businesses to seize new trade and investment opportunities created by the route.

Meanwhile, Zanzibar welcomed its first-ever direct flight from Russia, with Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Badria Attai Masoud describing the development as a major milestone for the islands’ tourism industry.

She said improved air connectivity would increase tourist arrivals, attract investment and create employment opportunities, noting that 89 passengers disembarked in Zanzibar before the aircraft continued to Dar es Salaam.

Russian Ambassador to Tanzania Andrey Avetisyan said the new route reflects the growing partnership between the two countries and is expected to stimulate tourism, trade and broader economic cooperation

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