Lithuanian travellers increasingly want exotic experiences
Over the decades of independence, Lithuania's economic situation has changed, the standard of living has risen, and travel habits have evolved. For a long time, all-inclusive packages were among the most desirable, with hotel restaurants, bars and swimming pools tempting travellers. But now, more and more people are expecting new experiences outside the hotel. According to Dominik Milowski, Director of tour operator Itaka, it is travellers' hunger for adventure that drives them to offer new exotic destinations every year.
Curiosity has no age
Lithuanian travellers are curious regardless of age. Experienced travellers have already visited various European cities and resorts, but eventually these trips start to feel similar and new experiences are desired. And young people have already visited many European countries and at least a few Turkish resorts when they were young, travelling with their parents, so they too are looking for new destinations and experiences.
"We've noticed that travellers' curiosity is ageless, with both young and old interested in exotic destinations. That's why, as a tour operator, we set ourselves the goal of offering destinations that would surprise even the most experienced travellers", says Itaka Director D. Milowski.
A one-off solution is not enough for new experiences
D. Milowski notes that just as appetite grows as you go hungry, travellers' curiosity only grows after visiting one exotic country, and after one exotic trip you want to plan another one, to see another country or place you haven't visited before.
"What was new a few years ago is no longer surprising this year. For example, when we launched Madeira in 2019, we were the first in Lithuania to offer regular weekly trips to the Portuguese island. And now it is one of the most popular destinations for Lithuanian travellers," says Milowski. This example perfectly illustrates that exoticism is not a one-off solution, but to satisfy the constant demand for exoticism among travellers, it is important to introduce new destinations on a regular basis.
This year to Zanzibar without connecting flights
To illustrate the constant efforts to offer new destinations, Dominik Milowski mentions Itaka's facts of the past year: 'Responding to the interest of Lithuanian travellers, every year we offer something new. In 2019, not only Madeira, but also direct Itaka flights to Madagascar. In 2021, we were the first direct transatlantic flights in Lithuania's history, flying directly from Lithuania to the Dominican Republic. And this year, we're offering non-stop flights to Zanzibar, more than 7,000 kilometres away."
The flight from Vilnius to Zanzibar is a direct flight, so it will be non-stop, but due to the long distance of the journey, there will be a stopover for refuelling during the flight. Total journey time is 12 hours. Interestingly, even after 7000 kilometres, Zanzibar is in the same time zone as Lithuania, so there will be no time zone change syndrome or clock rotation.
International tour operator experience for Lithuanian travellers
Although long-haul direct flights and exotic destinations are still a novelty in Lithuania, thanks to Itaka Lietuva being a member of the Itaka Group, even new destinations are presented with the assurance of experience and professional organisation and implementation.
"Itaka is one of the largest tour operators in Central Europe and operates not only in Lithuania but also in Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. "Our international experience allows us to provide the highest quality services to Lithuanian travellers. Even if it is the first time in Lithuania's history that flights to new destinations are being organised, the experience of the Itaka team in Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary allows us to ensure a seamless experience for Lithuanian travellers as well," says Mr Milowski.
Dominik Milowski
Director
www.itaka.lt
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Lithuanian