TIRANA, December 29 – Israeli outlet “Ynet news” recommended Albania as an authentic holiday destination instead of traditional tourist resorts. Journalist Iris Lifshitz-Klieger wrote the article after consulting tourism experts.

Experts explained that well-known tourist destinations became increasingly expensive. Meanwhile, new alternatives entered the market and offered similar travel experiences at significantly lower costs.

Tourism specialists noted that 2026 marked a shift toward smarter travel choices. Travelers showed less interest in classic destinations and searched more actively for comparable alternatives. As a result, demand grew for destinations that combined similar experiences with lower prices.

Earlier, Israeli tourists concentrated on well-known destinations mainly due to security concerns. Later, growing competition among airlines expanded flight options. This development reopened travel routes toward new and less explored destinations.

These emerging locations offered exotic European-style holidays with affordable budgets.

Within this context, experts recommended Tirana as an alternative to Budapest. They described the Albanian capital as less known but appealing. They highlighted its mix of a modern European atmosphere, trendy cafés, affordable prices, and easy access to nature and nearby beaches.

Between 12 and 15 July, accommodation at Hotel Albanopolis started at 499 dollars per person. In addition, Eshet Tours offered a July package that included 4 nights in Albania at a 4-star hotel for 492 dollars per person. Also, the company presented another offer covering 5 nights in Tirana from 23 to 28 July. This package included flights and accommodation at the 4-star Hotel Boutique Arbnor, with breakfast included, starting at 490 dollars per person.

The Israeli magazine also presented a broader list of destinations it considered the best choices for travel in 2026. Editors suggested these locations as replacements for traditional resorts, pairing well-known cities with emerging alternatives across Europe and beyond.

Meanwhile, representatives of the tourism industry commented on the trend. TAL Aviation told “Ynet news” that a new travel pattern emerged ahead of summer 2026. The company stated that tourists increasingly searched for alternatives to traditional summer destinations. It linked this shift mainly to the high cost of living and rising prices in popular locations.

According to the company, a growing number of Israelis selected destinations that offered experiences comparable to famous tourist hubs but at noticeably lower prices.

Tali Noy, vice president of strategy and marketing at Issta, said families searched for unique experiences beyond traditional destinations such as Greece and Cyprus. She added that demand increased for summer travel to Albania, Uzbekistan, Romania, Lithuania, and Montenegro. She explained that this trend reflected a preference for authentic holidays that combined nature, culture, and history with reasonable prices.

Shirly Cohen Urkabi, vice president at Eshet Tours, said destinations expected to lead in the coming year included Greece, the Balkans, Montenegro, Albania, Bulgaria, and Eastern Europe. She also mentioned Central Asia, Morocco, and the Caucasus, along with destinations in the Far East.

/a.p./