This year’s cheapest trips aren’t worth even in the Baltic countries

Will you be able to travel beyond the Baltic countries?

– Although the coronavirus situation is improving, it has certainly posed many challenges and caused much harm. What is the European tourism sector like at the moment?

– The European tourism sector seems to be fragmented. Just as Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have created a Baltic “travel bubble” (so far it is more a marketing tool than a real one), so are other countries. For example, Slovenia has opened its borders to Croats, Greece has announced that it will allow all tourists from countries where the epidemiological situation is good as of July. Sakartwell does the same. Scandinavians say they will only travel through Scandinavia this summer. Those agreements are of all kinds. We follow the news, we see positive patterns.

Going back to the “bubble”, it is wonderful that we have opened up to Latvia and Estonia, because these are our sisters, but there are still problems that must be solved.

– What are they?

– It is one thing to open borders, another to open all tourist objects, starting with hotels and ending with restaurants, so that Lithuanians, Latvians and Estonians can have a quality holiday. Because until now the opening is very partial. We also see in Lithuania: small hotels have been opened that accept tourists but cannot offer the full range of entertainment. Therefore, it is necessary to open all spas, main facilities and pools. Lithuanians like to swim in the water.

We have to agree that we will travel to Latvia when the value proposition is better than in Lithuania. And let’s not forget that some Lithuanians think a lot about the sun and the warm sea.

– Can the recovery of travel and hotels be expected soon? Will it take a long time for everything to return to normal, even when the walls are opened?

– Tourism will not fully recover until 2022. in the second quarter. And it depends on many factors: if there will be a second wave, if the airlines will recover or if there will be bankrupt companies.

But when it comes to Lithuanian trips abroad, I would like to take this opportunity to urge: quite scary. It is necessary to observe how safely it is possible to allow Lithuanians to travel and how safely tour operators and other companies will be able to generate income and save jobs. We will not prevent people from wanting to travel. If not through the Lithuanian tour operators, they will travel through Poland and Latvia. And jobs will be cut in Lithuania.

– What rules should the countries opening borders establish? Will the parties decide for themselves what guarantees to take?

– The European Commission is considering how to safely open a particular country or destination: a resort, a hotel, a flight. A set of regulations has been adopted. Let’s start with airports: you will have to keep your distances, you will have to wear masks and gloves after entering the airport, and the range of services on airplanes will change: you will no longer be able to get the food you used to have on your plates. Everything will be packaged to avoid any unnecessary touch and pockets of infection.

The same will apply to resorts. Both the reduction of massive events and the change of buffet meals in hotels limit the number of people who can go to the pool at the same time and decide how to maintain the correct distances on the beach.

All countries are looking for a way back to normality, and it is up to our government when Lithuanians will be able to enjoy that joy: how soon air transport will open with Greece, with Sakartvelas. (Note: it was already announced after the interview that more flights will be allowed from European countries where there is not a high incidence of coronavirus).

I really invite all travelers not to lose track and plan trips, contact tour operators and monitor the situation. There will definitely be opportunities, but until those opportunities open up for Lithuanians (probably from July to August), let’s not forget that there are great objects in Lithuania and other Baltic countries where you can relax on weekends or for short breaks.

– From what you are saying, is it possible to understand that it is possible to present more summer plans and plan a trip to another place, not only in the Baltic States?

– I really invite you to stop being afraid and start planning. If it is not from Lithuania, there will be opportunities to leave neighboring countries. We are aware that tourism at that time surely, a year ago, generated a million euros a day in the country’s budget. Inbound tourism amounted to one billion euros a year. We are talking about a large amount of income and people who work in the tourism sector.

I really invite you to stop being afraid and start planning. If it is not from Lithuania, there will be opportunities to leave neighboring countries.

I appeal to the Government; Yes, bold decisions are needed at this time. You need support, subsidies for tourist businesses. But not only the government and the Ministry of Economy and Innovation can help, but the travelers themselves can help without losing their balance. The more places we save in the tourism business, the richer the trips we will have in the future.

Cheaper travel is not to be expected

– What trends are expected? Where and when do people connect to travel and what could be the prices of the trips? Some promise a price war, others assure that trips as cheap as in recent years will not exist for some time.

– I am observing the situation in what is happening in China itself, in domestic tourism. I am seeing what is happening in the European Union. I would say that there will be very, very good prices, but unfortunately, as a professional, I have to name reality. Preparing to receive tourists and travelers safely actually costs extra for airlines, resorts and hotels alike. Only higher category hotels will be opened, which can guarantee the total safety of travelers. Those budget hotels are unlikely to succeed this year. So those who can afford a truly quality vacation will be able to travel.

I would say that there will be very, very good prices, but unfortunately, as a professional, I have to name reality.

– Is it necessary to set prices so that they are a little higher than we are used to?

– Those who traveled cheaper last year will have to pay more this year. Anyone who has traveled with quality will pay the same this year.

– Can countries be expected to start a fight for inbound tourism?

– Really so. Tourism is a fast-moving product, and each country understands that if a potential traveler doesn’t listen to a country today, they are unlikely to choose it. We heard the example from Sicily when the mayor said he would pay a third of the flight and part of the hotel accommodation. Various things are being heard, but it is only now beginning. Naturally, subsidies are also needed to invite Lithuania.

– Perhaps for now, traveling around Lithuania and the Baltic States would be a safer vacation option?

– I wouldn’t oppose each other. I invite you to use that motto and what quarantine has shown at the moment: travel as far as possible, travel as often as possible and for as long as possible. Naturally, we will not be traveling in Lithuania for a month or three weeks. There are definitely excellent destinations for weekends: Anykščiai, Palanga, Rusnė, all tourist centers, national parks. But weekends are enough. If we want to visit all the Baltic countries, the two-week program is ready: take it and use it, really go meet it.

However, Lithuanians are a very traveling nation, and they certainly will not have enough Baltic countries. Naturally, Lithuanians will definitely travel.

I think that from mid-June we will have international flights Vilnius-Warsaw, the border will be opened, because the Polish airline on June 1. begins domestic flights. This is likely to start internationally in a few weeks. Finnair will return to Lithuania on July 1, and Lufthansa and airBaltic are already flying. Those opportunities to travel will surely be, but it depends on our awareness of how well we are going on vacation. If we succumb to the pessimism that there is nowhere to go and we only need to weed in the garden, it is natural that we have such a vacation.

If we succumb to the pessimism that there is nowhere to go and we only need to weed in the garden, it is natural that we have such a vacation.

– How do you evaluate the decision of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia to create a “travel bubble”?

– I am really very happy and probably for the first time I sincerely congratulate the Government on such an agreement. It really is “wow”. But after saying “wow”, I have yet to say that a lot of work is still ahead of us. Not all hotels are open, not all tourist attractions, no markings everywhere, instructions on how to operate spas safely are lacking. But what is most lacking is that everyone who comes can make a proof that he is not sick at the moment. I agree that we cannot guarantee that if you are not sick right now, you will not get sick in two weeks. But at least for now, I can say responsibly: yes, it is necessary.

Self-isolation is no longer necessary after the return of the Baltic countries, and that circle, geography will expand where it is not needed, but everyone who feels bad should have a chance to see it.

And let’s think: large hotels employ a large number of people, they know many people. Is this how to assure hotel managers that their employees are not infected? The availability of tests should be wherever possible, and every citizen should have the right to be tested if we really want to prevent the spread of the disease.

There are several considerations that there may be immunity to passports. The EC has not yet said anything about it, and yet urges the parties to introduce rapid inspection facilities and not to limit themselves to self-isolation and quarantine, as this is not a solution. We have really heard a lot about bans, now we need opportunities to live normally in this situation.

– Is the question of opening objects mentioned by you only a problem of Lithuania, or also of Latvia and Estonia?

– Latvia and Estonia have similar problems. But we are still quarantined, Estonians have already started to work normally. There really are a lot of differences, and Lithuania should be a good example to avoid as much competition in competition with neighboring countries as possible in order to attract as many tourists as possible from Latvia and Estonia, so that as many foreigners come to spend money .

– The foreign media call this a model to follow for the control of the coronavirus and see it as an interesting solution for economic recovery. And which of the countries is more in favor of this step? Perhaps tourism will recover faster in our neighbors and Lithuania will have to fight for it?

– Lithuania has a chance. But as much as you’ve made decisions, you certainly haven’t yet, you will definitely lose in the competitive fight. Latvia is in the middle; Let’s start with the fact that it is closer to Estonians than Lithuania. Latvia has a wonderful Jūrmala, famous for many years, it really doesn’t need advertising. And the beach in Latvia is much better developed, with many more services. Yes, we have smaller and much better resorts, but there really is a lack of awareness about these resorts.

As much as Lithuania has made decisions, it will definitely lose in the competitive fight.

To travel with us, we have to do a lot of homework. “Travel in Lithuania” must advertise properly (not only to popularize Lithuania in general, but also to offer the product together with tour operators, how to buy it easily). Today, Go Vilnius and Kaunas Inn solve a big problem: how to invite people. I really invite those who are not from Vilnius: Vilnius is a wonderful place to spend a 5 day vacation. There will always be more entertainment in Vilnius than anywhere else in the region.

Tips for travelers in Latvia and Estonia

– As you said, Lithuanians are a very itinerant nation, so when the borders are opened, they will definitely take the opportunity to escape. What would you suggest seeing in Latvia?

– Latvia has a wonderful Riga, really wonderful, with many opportunities. A weekend trip to Riga or Tallinn can be really cool. There are secondary cities: Daugavpils, Ventspils, Tartu, Pärnu, where you can really find interesting things.

Spa! What are spas in Latvia and Estonia? In the Baltic countries we compete with the rest of Europe with a spa.

Nature, cognitive trails, water travel – there is definitely a great deal on offer. Go to the websites of the tour operators, call your travel advisor. This will help you decide.

– What about prices in Latvia? Perhaps spending time in Latvia is cheaper than in Lithuania?

– There is no cheaper. It is naive to expect cheaper holidays in the Baltic countries this year. On the one hand, until we have a chance to leave, there will be great demand. On the other hand, additional safety requirements must be introduced (disposable devices, thermometers, etc.). They result in all tourism service providers incurring additional costs. The third was the quarantine period, which did not produce any income. You must “make up” the loss. Travel prices should not be expected to fall into a pandemic. You must evaluate what you are buying for the money, and the offers will definitely be good, unless the parties’ unreasonable decisions are repeated.

It is naive to expect cheaper holidays in the Baltic countries this year.

– If you now have to make a vacation plan, what to see in Latvia, what would you choose?

– I would like to take a 5-7 day trip. I would drive through Daugavpils, visit the Rothko Museum, then Ventspils, where there is a very beautiful beach, many interesting trails. Through it, I would return to Riga, visit the latest galleries and museums for a couple of days, and then pamper the spa for a couple of days.

In Latvia, the resorts, as I said, are better known, but that doesn’t mean much better. But it has a spa and a nearby sea, a lot of entertainment … And if you are in Jurmala, then Riga is only 20 minutes away, so here is an advantage without competition.

Similarly, Estonia. Tallinn is a wonderful city with gourmet restaurants! And the nearby sea, and many museums, and activities for children, and quality walks, mansions. Next door is Tartu, a wonderful science city with so much innovation. Parnu is a resort that is great, not to mention the islands.

I had to be in Hiiumaa for three days last year, I never thought that I could be so fascinated by a completely wild island. There are great restaurants, nature trails, bike trails, even lit up at night, you can think and think. And if we think that Estonians are slow, then on the island of Hjuma or Saaremaa they are even slower …

– Latvia is generally a long weekend destination. Would there be something to do here in a week or two?

– Once every 3 to 5 years, I definitely recommend knowing which Baltic country to travel to in more detail. But let’s agree: we don’t have to repeat the same thing every time, and we have a great desire to meet, see and meet new people.

– Since Latvians themselves, Estonians will travel a lot to their own countries, how will the offer change? Maybe you should book your accommodation earlier this year?

– Really so. Especially in more popular places, like resorts, beach, in places where there are many activities for the whole family, children. These places will definitely be very popular, so I recommend planning ahead. After all, exit options must also be evaluated. One, if you drive your own car, but if you plan to fly to Estonia, for example, take a ferry to the islands, those options are limited. You must plan ahead and shop around.

There will be beautiful places to meet and things to see, but only if we plan and are not satisfied with the last minute deals. Then you may need to sleep anywhere.

– Could you choose the most stuck accommodation places in Latvia, Estonia?

– For example, in the Rothko Art Gallery in Daugavpils they also have a wonderful hotel. In fact, you sleep in the gallery, something fantastic.

At Hiiumaa, you can stay in the rooms next to the fish restaurant with American cuisine, where you can relax and actively explore the island.

There is also a wonderful hotel in Estonia and Vihula Manor. They have excellent cuisine, they are located near Tallinn, you stay in an old mansion.

Just to get to these places, you need to plan ahead. Especially since Estonians are working very hard to open Finland. Estonia can be occupied by Finns with higher purchasing power.

There will definitely be beautiful places, but only if we plan and are not satisfied with the last minute deals. Then you may need to sleep anywhere.

– It is very popular to visit mansions in Lithuania. Can Latvia boast an abundance of neat mansions ready for tourism?

– Latvia has many mansions, and I would even say that because of the way they are managed, we still have to learn. What festivals are taking place, what activities, what restaurants, there are many opportunities there.

– If a family with young children has planned a lazy vacation somewhere in Turkey or Greece, they don’t want to travel too hard. Are there places in Latvia or Estonia where they could enjoy all-inclusive?

– Really so. I would like to dispel the stereotype that those who go to Turkey only make lazy trips. Turkey is an amazing country with a deep history. It has a wonderful coastline, but it is also a city with a deep history of Istanbul. Not everyone who goes to Turkey or Greece only goes on vacation before bed; some take a car, travel on nature trails. And Lithuanians always combine relaxation with knowledge.

– Although permission to travel to the Baltic States has been granted, and after these trips, self-isolation is no longer mandatory, but surveillance should not be lost. What should we keep in mind when traveling?

– It is natural to avoid crowded places, and both you and your children should wash their hands. If we wash our hands, we will avoid 50 to 80 percent. infection cases

– And one last question: are these trips really necessary?

– Really so. Traveling today is no longer a luxury. Travel has become a core value, and for many of us, travel sounds much more attractive than a new set of furniture. This is demonstrated not only by the previous increase in sales of tour operators, but also by the number of Lithuanians who remained stagnant when the pandemic broke out, and how many had to be returned to Lithuania. For Lithuanians, traveling is a great value, and we can see how many Lithuanians decided not to return, to pass the pandemic elsewhere.

The more we want to travel, the more opportunities there will be.

I want to wish my parents: there is no better school than a trip. It is a quality time that they spend together, as well as cognition: a connection is established and the child expands the world. It is not unnecessarily said that traveling is the best university.

Lithuanians are a traveling nation. I urge you not to lose optimism. The more we want to travel, the more opportunities there will be.