Vilnius, Lithuania. Photo: Shutterstock As foreign airlines suspend routes and scale back their operations to Israel, Overseas is bucking the trend by adding more flights.
In response to particularly high demand for Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, Overseas announces the launch of a third weekly flight, departing on Fridays starting from July 11. This flight joins the existing Sunday and Thursday flights that Overseas already operates.
This is a strategic move, combining accurate market analysis, a quick response to a complex aviation reality, and a deep understanding of the Israeli audience, which is currently looking for safe, nearby, interesting, and, not less importantly, accessible destinations.
Lithuania has become a particularly sought-after destination among Israeli travelers in the past two years, and not by chance.
The green landscapes, clear lakes, magnificent architecture of Vilnius, rich Jewish heritage, sense of security, affordable prices, and welcoming hosts have turned Lithuania into the "Baltic Jewel" that more and more Israelis want to discover.
Vered Schwartz, Co-CEO of Overseas, stated: "We are witnessing exceptional demand for Lithuania in recent months. It is a beautiful, safe and pleasant country for Israeli tourists. It offers something for everyone: families, couples, and independent travelers. From the rich Jewish heritage to summer festivals at the lakes, Lithuania is a destination that resonates with the Israeli audience at heart."
Not less important than the destination is the business move. While many foreign companies have canceled their flights, Overseas remained active and restored its flights immediately after the skies reopened, and now it is expanding its operations.
Pini Kreiner, Co-CEO, emphasizes: "In a situation where international airlines choose to distance themselves from the Israeli market, it was clear to us that there is a real opportunity here. Adding the Friday flight not only provides tourists with flexibility but also sends a clear message: we are here, working for the local audience and providing them with quality solutions."
Overseas, specializing in operating charter flights, vacation packages, and trips to spa, nature, and leisure destinations in Europe, has established itself as a key player in organized and family tourism. With a busy summer ahead, the current move in Lithuania joins an expanding list of destinations where the company operates, including Bratislava and Piestany in Slovakia.
Lithuania: From Forgotten Destination to European Tourism Hub
In recent years, Lithuania has become one of the refreshing surprises on the European tourism map, not only in the eyes of Israelis.
Lithuania may not have been on the Israeli traveler's radar a decade ago, but today it is already a hot name on the list of leading destinations, and rightfully so.
Massive government investment in tourism infrastructure, green technology, smart urbanism, and visitor experience enhancement have transformed Lithuania into the "Eastern European Model of Smart Tourism."
Vilnius, the capital, continues to lead Europe in various areas:
Urban transportation based on renewable energy, with a modern bus and tram network
Smart city projects for information sharing, interactive tourist mapping, and dedicated apps
Significant investment in culture and festivals, such as the Vilnius Light Festival and Capital Days, which have made the city a desirable destination both in winter and summer
Thanks to the new positioning, top international chains like Marriott, Hilton, Radisson, and Accor have already opened new branches or are in processes of entry, significantly upgrading the local hospitality level.
Meanwhile, local boutique hotels offer an intimate experience, Scandinavian design, and personal service – at much more affordable prices than leading Western cities.
"An Ideal Destination for Israelis"
The decision by Overseas to expand operations in Lithuania stems from a deep understanding of the needs of the Israeli audience, discovering a pleasant, safe, close destination – and benefiting from all worlds:
Relatively short flight distance, use of the Euro as currency, access to kosher food, warm Jewish community, and historical sites such as the Vilnius Ghetto, Jewish Museum, Great Synagogue, and emotionally moving memory paths
A sense of safety and tranquility in the streets, even when other destinations in Europe are less inviting. And this is joined, as mentioned, by the addition of flights that will allow for a light holiday in Northern Europe, even for a short weekend without the commitment to a long vacation.
