This archive report was first published on 20 May 2020.
On 18 May 2020, Tanzania President John Pombe Magufuli lifted the ban on international flights, allowing both scheduled and non-scheduled flights into the country's airspace.
The directive seeks to bring back lost opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry, which have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to President Magufuli, tourists will be allowed to enter the country without quarantine if their body temperatures do not indicate any unusual health risks.
Transport Minister Isack Kamwelwe has opened the airspace for commercial, diplomatic, emergency relief, and humanitarian aid flights to enter Tanzania.
‘I direct the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority to inform ICAO about the decision and ensure that the directive is fully implemented,’ The Citizen quoted Kamwelwe.
Tanzania's tourism revenue fell from $2.6 billion to $598 million due to travel restrictions, resulting in the loss of 477,000 jobs in the hospitality sector.
Minister Kamwelwe has asked hospitality facilities to prepare to revive the industry, which is expected to bring back business opportunities.
For the year, tourism Minister Hamisi Kigwangalla expected foreign exchange from tourism to rise to $2.6 billion, with the country receiving 1.867 million visitors and creating 623,000 jobs.
