The FINANCIAL — Flights to Europe are getting cheaper. This week travel companies in Tbilisi have started offering trips to Europe for 350 EUR. It is expected that the number of Georgian tourists visiting European cities will increase significantly this summer.
A one week trip to Prague now costs 320 EUR, according to Ella Karapetyan, Director of BusinessTravel Com.
“The price of a one week trip in Europe includes the costs of air tickets, transfers, insurance, hotel accommodation and excursions. You can spend your vacations in Spain for 380 EUR, in Italy from 380 EUR, France – from 390 EUR, the Netherlands – 410 EUR, and Hungary – 400 EUR,” Karapetyan said.
“The prices of air tickets have decreased, that’s why some of the tours are cheaper,” she said. It is recommended to make one’s bookings for Summer in advance as flight costs are likely to increase in the run up to and during peak season, Karapetyan said.
The Czech Republic and Turkey are currently the top most popular European destinations with travellers from Georgia. Despite the political unrest in Egypt, the country’s famous resorts Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are again at the top of the most demanded summer destinations.
“There are only 2 months left before summer starts, so I have already started thinking about where I will spend this summer. Turkey is one of my options, as it offers quite affordable prices and guarantees good weather. Unfortunately here in Georgia the weather is not always sunny, so it’s better to spend your time in Turkey. Moreover prices in Georgia and Turkey are almost the same,” Giorgi Akhvlediani, 24, told The FINANCIAL.
“In the last 4 years Europe has become more popular with Georgian tourists. That could be because of its increasingly affordable prices. A one week vacation in Europe costs just 500 EUR. I usually choose to spend my vacations in Spain,” said Tamuna Gzirishvili, 26.
“Everyone looks forward to their summer vacations and tries to plan in advance to make the holiday an unforgettable one. I usually spend the summer with my family at one of Georgia’s Black Sea coastal resorts, but this summer I plan to visit Prague with my friends. I think this vacation will be an amazing one,” said Mariko Iashvili, 22.
According to Mariam Simonia, Director of tour operator Intercontinental, the most demanded destination among the company’s customers is Egypt.
NTour offers its clients trips to Israel from 1,491 USD at the moment. A visit to France will cost NTour clients 420 EUR. A trip to Spain – from 465 EUR, and a 4 night trip to Istanbul – 285 EUR.
“A trip to Italy costs 455 EUR. A holiday to see the carnival of Venice Colombina costs 565 EUR, the Top Caprice Italy package costs 645 EUR, the Whole of Italy in 8 Days trip costs 455 EUR, and the Venice carnival Arleccino – 580 EUR. A visit to Spain costs 465 EUR,” NTour notes.
For those who are going to spend summer 2011 in Europe, below is a list of some of the best festivals Europe has to offer:
La Tomatina, Bunol Spain, August 31, 2011 – The world’s largest food fight. Notting Hill Carnival, London, England, August 28-29, 2011 – Europe’s largest street faire. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh, Scotland, August 5-29, 2011 – Open Arts Festival.
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