While foreign airlines are suspending routes and reducing their activities in Israel, the Israeli company Overseas is adding flights and doing so in a significant way.
Due to the particularly high demand for Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, the company announces the launch of a third weekly flight, which will be operated on Fridays, starting July 11.
The flight joins two existing flights operated by Overseas on Sundays and Thursdays.
This is a strategic move that combines an accurate understanding of the market, a quick response to the complex reality of aviation and a deep knowledge of the Israeli audience, who are especially now looking for safe, close, interesting and, last but not least, affordable destinations.
Over the past two years, Lithuania has become a particularly popular destination for Israeli travelers, and for good reason.
Green landscapes, crystal clear lakes, the magnificent architecture of Vilnius, rich Jewish heritage, a sense of security, affordable prices and hospitable hosts have all made Lithuania the "Baltic Pearl" that more and more Israelis want to discover.
Vered Schwartz, Co-CEO of Overseas, said: "We have seen extraordinary demand for Lithuania in recent months. It is a beautiful, safe, and pleasant country for Israeli tourists. It has something to offer everyone – families, couples and independent travelers. From its rich Jewish heritage to its summer festivals on the lakes, Lithuania is a destination that resonates with Israeli audiences with all its heart."
No less important than the direction itself is the business move. While many foreign companies canceled their flights, Overseas remained active and resumed its flights immediately after the opening of borders, and now even expands its operations.
Pini Kreiner, Co-Managing Director, emphasizes: "In a situation where international airlines are choosing to take a deferral from the Israeli market, it was clear to us that this was a real possibility. Adding a flight on Fridays not only gives passengers the flexibility to plan their trips, but also sends a clear message: we are here, we work for a local audience and provide them with quality solutions."
Overseas, specialized in charter flights, holiday packages and trips to health, nature and tourist destinations in Europe, has established itself as a central player in organized and family tourism. With a busy summer on the horizon, the current move in Lithuania adds to the expanding list of destinations the company operates in, including Bratislava and Piestany in Slovakia.
Lithuania: From a forgotten destination to Europe's bustling tourist hub
In recent years, Lithuania has become one of the freshest surprises on the tourist map of Europe, and not only in the eyes of Israelis.
Lithuania may not have been on the radar of the Israeli tourist a decade ago, but now it is a favorite destination and deservedly enters the lists of leading destinations.
Massive public investment in tourism infrastructure, green technology, smart urbanism, and improving the visitor experience has turned Lithuania into an "Eastern European model of smart tourism."
Vilnius, the capital, continues to lead at the European level in various fields:
Urban transport based on renewable energy with a modern network of buses and trams
Smart city projects for information exchange, interactive mapping for tourists and specialized applications
Significant investments in culture and festivals such as the Vilnius Light Festival and Capital Days have made the city a popular destination in both winter and summer
Thanks to the new positioning, the first international chains such as Marriott, Hilton, Radisson and Accor have already opened new branches or are in the process of entering, which significantly improves the level of local hospitality.
At the same time, local boutique hotels offer an intimate experience, Scandinavian design and personal service – at prices significantly lower than in leading Western cities.
"An ideal destination for Israelis"
Overseas explains that the decision to expand in Lithuania comes from a deep understanding of the needs of the Israeli audience, who discover a pleasant, safe and close destination – and benefit from all worlds:
Relatively short flight distance, use of euros as currency, access to kosher food, warm Jewish community and historical sites such as the Vilnius ghetto, Jewish Museum, Great Synagogue and impressive memory trails
A sense of safety and tranquility on the streets, even in times when other destinations in Europe are less attractive, and additional flights will soon be added to all this, which will allow you to organize an easy trip to northern Europe even for a short weekend without obligations for a long vacation.