Vilnius, Lithuania. Photo: Shutterstock While international airlines are cutting back routes and reducing their activities to Israel, the Israeli company Overseas is expanding its flights significantly.
Due to exceptionally high demand for Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, the company announces the launch of a third weekly flight departing on Fridays starting from July 11.
This flight joins the existing flights on Sundays and Thursdays already operated by Overseas.
This strategic move combines precise market analysis, a quick response to a complex aviation reality, and a deep understanding of the Israeli audience, who are currently seeking safe, close, and interesting destinations that are also accessible.
In the last two years, Lithuania has become a particularly popular destination among Israeli travelers, and not by chance.
The green landscapes, clear lakes, Vilnius's stunning architecture, the rich Jewish heritage, sense of security, reasonable prices, and welcoming hosts have all turned Lithuania into the "Baltic Pearl" that more and more Israelis are keen to discover.
Vered Schwartz, Co-CEO of Overseas, stated: "We are seeing unusual demand for Lithuania in the past few months. It is a beautiful, safe, and pleasant country for Israeli tourists. It offers something for everyone – families, couples, and independent travelers. From its rich Jewish heritage to summer festivals at the lakes, Lithuania is a destination that resonates with the Israeli audience at its core."
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 is now expanding its activity.
Pini Kreiner, Co-CEO, emphasizes: "In a situation where international airlines choose to distance themselves from the Israeli market, we realized there is a real opportunity here. Adding a flight on Fridays not only grants travelers touristic 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, holiday packages, and tours to spa, nature, and leisure destinations in Europe, has established itself as a key player in organized and family tourism. With a busy summer on the horizon, the current move in Lithuania adds to an expanding list of destinations in which 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 of the European tourism map, and not only in the eyes of Israelis.
Lithuania might not have been on the Israeli tourist’s radar a decade ago, but now it is a hot name on top destination lists and rightfully so.
Massive government investment in tourism infrastructure, green technology, smart urban design, and improvement of visitor experience have 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 sharing, interactive tourism 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 sought-after destination both in winter and summer
Thanks to the new positioning, top international chains like Marriott, Hilton, Radisson, and Accor have either opened new branches or are in the process of entering, significantly enhancing the local hospitality level.
Simultaneously, local boutique hotels offer an intimate experience, Scandinavian design, and personal service – at much more affordable prices than in leading Western cities.
"An Ideal Destination for Israelis"
At Overseas, they explain that the decision to expand the activity in Lithuania stems from a deep understanding of the Israeli audience's needs, discovering a pleasant, safe, and close destination – gaining the best of all worlds:
Relatively short flight distance, using the Euro as currency, access to kosher food, a warm Jewish community, and historical sites like the Vilnius Ghetto, the Jewish Museum, the Great Synagogue, and moving memory trails
A sense of security and peace in the streets, even when other European destinations are less inviting, and to all these will soon be added additional flights that will allow for a light Northern European holiday, even for a short weekend without commitment to a long vacation.