With exchange rates predicted to sting many tourists in traditional destinations this summer, Responsible Travel’s latest data suggests a growing trend for Eastern Europe, where holiday budgets stretch further and local communities can benefit too.
The online travel company announces a colossal rise in popularity of Eastern European destinations for the first half of this year, compared to 2016.
Countries and communities in Eastern Europe will benefit from this increase in tourism. At £302, Albania has the lowest average monthly wage of these growing destinations.
Percentage increase in enquiries (year on year):
| Armenia | +143% |
| Albania | +110% |
| Montenegro | +71% |
| Croatia | +54% |
| Georgia | +54% |
Responsible Travel CEO Justin Francis, “Our customers are showing unprecedented interest in Eastern European destinations where we know they get better value for money. Local people can benefit hugely from this growth in popularity if we as travelers make sure our money is going directly to the people that need it. Staying in local accommodation, eating in locally owned restaurants, shopping in local markets…these pump money into communities. So when tourism is done responsibly then we have a win-win situation for local people as well as visitors.”
The weak sterling means tourists are being hit harder than ever in many of the traditionally popular holiday destinations. With the current exchange rate, it is reported customers will pay an extra £200 for €1000. Furthermore, as popularity and demand rises for destinations considered ‘safe’, such as Spain and Portugal, so do the prices
Responsible Travel is a limited company registered in England and Wales. For more information visit, www.responsibletravel.com/
