Direct Moscow–Zanzibar: first sales figures show 3.5x growth

Air Tanzania has resumed direct flights between Russia and Tanzania, a move that is already significantly boosting Russian tourist traffic to the exotic island of Zanzibar. ATOR (Association of tour operators of Russia) has analyzed supply and demabd on the destination. The flights are operated three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, on the route Dar es Salaam – Moscow – Zanzibar – Dar es Salaam.

Round-trip tickets with baggage are available from 65,700 rubles (~ $850). The direct flight time from Moscow to Zanzibar is 11 hours and 50 minutes, while the return journey is slightly shorter at 11 hours and 15 minutes.

The resumption of these direct flights is already proving to be a catalyst for the destination. According to ITM Group, the new route and the accompanying marketing campaign have provoked a notable increase in interest in Tanzania. This is reflected in sales figures across the Russian travel market. Let`s Fly (part of Sletat.ru) reports a 3.5-fold increase in sales compared to the previous year. Similarly, Russian Express has seen a 140% growth, and Intourist has doubled its sales. Other operators are also reporting growth, with Space Travel seeing a 15–25% increase and Coral Travel noting around a 10% rise in bookings.

Russian Express highlights that 64% of all its Zanzibar bookings were made in the past month, a significant jump from only 28% during the same period last year. “The launch of the direct flight has indeed increased tourists' interest in holidays on the archipelago,” the company concluded.

Russian tourists' preferences for where to stay on Zanzibar are varied: the undisputed leaders are the northern coastal areas of Nungwi and Kendwa, which are favored for their mild tidal changes. For those seeking a more secluded retreat, the area of Matemwe is a popular choice, while the eastern coast, particularly Paje, draws enthusiasts of kite surfing.

In terms of accommodation, hotels in the 4-5* categories are at the top of the preference list. The most booked hotels include properties from the Riu chain, My Blue Hotel 4, Gold Zanzibar 5, The Royal Zanzibar 5, Nungwi Turaco 4, and Kendwa Rocks 4*. Intourist also notes a steady demand for both budget-friendly 3* hotels and guesthouses, as well as for premium 4-5* hotels with all-inclusive options. At Anex, the Tropicana Kendwa Beach 3* hotel is a best-seller alongside the Riu properties, praised for its value for money. Meanwhile, Spectrum is seeing a growing demand for boutique hotels and private villas.

Market players report a good depth in tour sales to Zanzibar, typically ranging from 2.5 to 4 months. Some companies, however, are seeing even longer horizons. FUN&SUN has bookings extending up to seven months, and Coral Travel has reservations as far out as February 2027.

The average length of stay, according to TEZ TOUR, is between 10 and 14 nights. Looking ahead, the travel industry is optimistic. The direct air service is expected to drive a 30–40% growth in demand for Zanzibar in the medium term.

Despite this positive outlook, experts caution against expecting mass-market demand. Intourist warns that the destination is not cheap and is sometimes comparable in price to the Maldives. 

Industry leaders identify the key drivers for the destination’s success as the combination of a direct flight and simple visa procedures. The visa for Tanzania can be obtained upon arrival or online in advance, which simplifies the travel process. 

Corona Travel believes that interest in Zanzibar will continue to grow, fueled not only by returning tourists but also by those who previously dismissed Tanzania due to complex logistics. There is also an expectation of increased interest in combined "beach and safari" packages.

Regarding block charter deals, no tour operators have taken blocks on the new Air Tanzania flights as of yet. It is suggested that they may not be necessary, as airlines might sell all seats without the need for solid guarantees, a model that already works successfully on Royal Air Maroc flights. Meanwhile some tour operators continue to hold their own block arrangements on connecting flights via other airlines, such as Space Travel with Etihad, Oman Air, and Ethiopian Airlines, and Russky Express with Ethiopian Airlines.