Greece, Albania and Turkey among the most sought-after summer holiday destinations for Kosovo citizens

Preparations for the summer holiday season are well under way. For the residents of Gracanica whom the Kosovo Online team spoke to, Greece traditionally remains the top destination, while residents of Pristina give preference to Albania and Turkey. Tourism workers point out that packages for certain dates have already been sold out and that flights are filling up faster than in previous years.

Although accommodation and package holiday prices are higher than in previous years, the desire to spend a holiday by the sea remains stronger than the price increases. While some people booked their holiday packages several months ago, others are waiting for last-minute offers.

Differences in the choice of destinations are noticeable, but three favourites stand out among the residents of Gracanica and Pristina — Greece, Albania and Turkey.

Momirka Cankovic from Gracanica says she paid for her package several months ago and that she has been spending her summer holidays in Greece for decades.

“The package has already been paid for; it is Greece. I go there to the seaside every year, as I have done for the past several decades,” she said.

Asked whether the increase in prices had affected her choice, Cankovic said that prices were still acceptable.

“It is something I can afford and I do not belong to the category of those who go on the most expensive holidays,” she said.

Suzana Komatovic says she has not yet decided where she will spend her holiday.

“If an opportunity comes up, I may go to Greece. Accommodation prices have gone up in Montenegro, Greece, Turkey and Albania, so we will see,” Komatovic said.

There are also those who have already used their annual leave.

“I have already spent 20 days in Paralia, and I have been going there for 15 years. I love it there. I go at the end of May or the beginning of June, when the weather is nice and there are no big crowds, so I can walk, swim and sunbathe. It really is beautiful,” said Gordana Djoric.

She notes, however, that prices are almost the same as last year.

“They may have gone up by five percent when it comes to food, but everything else is the same, even accommodation. I paid the same as in previous years,” Djoric said.

On the other hand, residents of Pristina mostly choose Albania for their summer holidays.

Ganimete Deda says that this year, as in previous years, she will spend her holiday on the Albanian coast.

“In recent years, I have been spending my summer holidays in Albania. The sea is beautiful and everything suits me. I also go to Greece, but I think I will go to Albania again this year, to Dermi,” Deda said.

“I am going to Albania, to Shëngjin. That is our country,” said Ali.

Bahrie Ispahiu says she will split her holiday between two destinations this year.

“I will spend one week in Turkey and one week in Ulcinj. Prices are high, but I work and I can afford a nice holiday,” Ispahiu said.

There are also those who will not travel.

“I plan to stay in Pristina and enjoy everything it has to offer. I like visiting nearby places, such as Albania, but I would like people to explore Pristina more and see what it can offer them,” said Rezarta Aliu.

Packages from €400 Upwards

The founder and executive director of the Maks Travel agency from Pristina, Edon Abdullahu, says that Turkey remains one of the most sought-after destinations this year as well, followed by Greece and Egypt.

“As in previous years, Turkey, namely Antalya, remains one of the most popular destinations. However, other destinations are also recording growth, especially Greece following the introduction of the visa-free regime with the European Union. Egypt is also among the destinations seeing the strongest growth this year, and our offer also includes Italy, Spain and other European countries,” Abdullahu said.

According to him, package prices start from €400–450 and upwards.

“For that amount, it is possible to spend seven days on an all-inclusive package, which includes air transport, hotel accommodation, transfers, and all meals and drinks during the stay,” Abdullahu said.

He adds that people in Kosovo most often opt for last-minute offers and make reservations at the last moment.

“Most people make their decision at the last moment, but I would like to use this opportunity to tell them to book earlier, because flights are filling up much faster this year than in previous years. For example, as of today, we have already completely sold out all packages until 1 July. For the next two weeks, we do not have a single available seat for Antalya,” Abdullahu stressed.