Samia’s visit to Russia unlocking new tourism frontiers for Tanzania
Tanzania is expanding its tourism sector by launching direct flights to Moscow following President Samia Suluhu Hassan's state visit to Russia. The government aims to significantly increase the number of Russian tourists visiting the country by 2030.
Why it matters
This initiative represents a strategic economic pivot for Tanzania to diversify its tourism market and strengthen bilateral trade ties with Russia.
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President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s historic state visit to Russia was more than a diplomatic engagement: it delivered a tangible breakthrough for Tanzania’s tourism sector.
The launch of direct Air Tanzania flights between Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Moscow, a development expected to significantly boost tourist arrivals and strengthen bilateral trade, is one of the immediate benefits.
Speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum in June 2026, the president made Tanzania’s tourism ambitions clear to the global business community, listing tourism among the country’s top five investment priorities.
The government is determined to increase the number of Russian tourists visiting Tanzania to 500,000 annually by 2030 and eventually to one million.
Before the launch of direct flights, Russian tourists travelled to Tanzania via connecting flights through Middle Eastern hubs.
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