TANZANIA'S efforts to diversify tourism markets have received a major boost in the wake of the Russian state visit by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Dr Ashatu Kijaji, the Natural Resources and Tourism minister, told journalists aboard the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operated by Air Tanzania Co. Ltd (ATCL) which made an inaugural direct flight from Dar es Salaam to Moscow, with plans to make three direct flights per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Hundreds of Russian tourists arrived in the country over the weekend aboard the inaugural flight, with the minister describing the flight as a milestone in the growing tourism partnership between Tanzania and Russia.

 Earlier in the week a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at ministerial level with boosting tourism as one of its components, strengthening tourism cooperation and advancing economic diplomacy. The arrival of the first group of Russian visitors was an immediate impact of the agreement, she said.

"This is a historic moment. The aircraft is fully booked and has brought a large number of tourists who have chosen Tanzania to experience our world-renowned attractions. It is an encouraging beginning to a mutually beneficial partnership," she further stated.

President Samia's efforts to open new international tourism markets had elicited a strong response shown in the inaugural direct flight reflects growing interest among Russian travellers in Tanzania as a preferred holiday destination, she said.

The government expects 200,000 and even 500,000 tourists from Russia will have been received by the end of this year, a massive increase from about 17,000 Russian visitors recorded in the past year.

Local tour operators who participated in business-to-business (B2B) meetings during the state visit eating new business opportunities expected to enhance Tanzania's competitiveness in the global tourism market.

Among the tourists arriving on the inaugural flight was Ola Vladimir, who said he decided to visit Tanzania after learning about the country's tourism attractions through promotional campaigns. He was looking forward to visiting Zanzibar and the Serengeti to experience Tanzania's unique wildlife, natural beauty and other tourism offerings.

The inaugural direct flight marks a significant step in Tanzania's strategy to expand international tourism markets, increase visitor arrivals and foreign exchange earnings, strengthening the country's position as a leading tourist destination, the minister added.