Lead

All tickets for the recently launched direct flights between Russia and Tanzania have been sold out, with the inaugural flight arriving fully booked, according to Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov. The minister made the announcement on July 2, the same day the first Air Tanzania flight from Dar es Salaam landed at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport, marking the resumption of direct air service between the two countries.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting from TASS, the Russian state news agency, highlighted the development as a milestone in bilateral relations, emphasizing both the economic and tourism potential. The coverage quoted Minister Reshetnikov extensively, attributing the resumption of flights to a recent meeting between the Russian and Tanzanian presidents in St. Petersburg, along with the work of aviation and tourism authorities in both countries.

Key Claims

  • A memorandum of cooperation on tourism between Russia and Tanzania was signed in Moscow on July 2. The document was signed by Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov and Tanzanian Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism Ashatu Kijaji.
  • Reshetnikov described the resumption of direct air service as a "milestone event" and confirmed that upcoming flights are fully booked.
  • Flights will operate three times a week, operated by Air Tanzania, which Reshetnikov described as "a modern airline and one of the best national carriers on the African continent."
  • The minister projected that the number of mutual tourist trips could reach 80,000 by the end of this year, matching the peak levels seen in 2021. He noted that last year, mutual tourist trips increased by nearly 40% year-on-year.
  • Approximately 50 Tanzanian tour operators arrived on the first direct flight to Russia, and many Russian companies are participating in negotiations to develop new travel offers.
  • The memorandum aims to systematize joint work in tourism, including developing joint tourism products, enhancing infrastructure, driving infrastructure investments, aligning regulatory frameworks, and training personnel, Reshetnikov said.

Perspectives

Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov

Reshetnikov expressed optimism about the resumption of direct flights, framing it as a significant event that will strengthen business ties and open new opportunities for travelers. He emphasized the full capacity of the flights and projected a return to peak tourist traffic levels by the end of the year, while acknowledging that the current figures do not yet reflect Tanzania's full tourism potential.

Tanzanian Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism Ashatu Kijaji

Kijaji co-signed the tourism cooperation memorandum, signaling Tanzania's commitment to deepening bilateral ties with Russia in the tourism sector, though specific comments from her were not reported in the available material.