TOURISTS are flocking to an unexpected spot in Europe for their holidays this summer in a bid to avoid escalating travel costs.
Flights and accommodation are becoming increasingly expensive, meaning some of the continent’s more popular holiday destinations aren’t an option for some people.
Getty – ContributorPoprad in Slovakia has become an increasingly popular holiday destination[/caption]
However, there are plenty of alternative places for people to visit, including it turns out Slovakia.
In particular, the town of Poprad has recently seen a huge rise in the number of visitors, according to CGTN.
They report that the town, located on the foothills of the High Tatra Mountains, is becoming increasingly popular, with thousands of visitors coming by every day this summer.
And it’s quite easy to see why people might be interested in visiting that neck of the woods.
Come to Slovakia said: “When we say High Tatras, we mean majestic peaks touching to the sky, dark turquoise mountain lakes of glacier origin, waterfalls, unique plants, rare animals like chamois (mountain goat) or marmot and exceptionally clean air.”
The unexpected boost to tourism in the area is presumed to be due to rising costs elsewhere, with people having to be creative with holiday choices.
Lucia Blaskova, the director of a waterpark in the region told CGTN: “The economic situation in general has raised prices all over Europe, not only in the popular destinations.
“So, everybody is trying to find a more affordable holiday, which you can find in the High Tatras.”
Wizz Air has flights to Poprad for just £18, while flights to the capital Bratislava can be found for £13.
Holiday home rentals can be found in the town from £32 per night for a two-person stay.
During the winter, the area is popular with skiers, but this year the summer has seen a sharp rise, with hikers and tourists looking for a cheaper holiday alternative.
Slovakia isn’t the only destination in Europe getting a new raft of tourists this year.
Wildfires have broken out in holiday destinations like Greece and Italy this summer, forcing people to change their plans.
As a result, TUI has said it will consider launching holidays to new and overlooked destinations.
The tour operator has highlighted countries like Belgium and Poland, where temperatures remain cooler, as potential alternative destinations for holidaymakers looking to avoid weather disruption.
Chief Executive Sebastian Ebel made the comments during a media call in which he said TUI were considering extending their holiday seasons.
He said: “We will go into Greece to the middle of November and I actually asked my colleagues, maybe we should open it until the end of the year, until or after Christmas.”
He added there would be a focus on new destinations in Nordic countries, the coasts of Belgium and Poland and others as tourists seek out cooler climates.
Ebel continued: “It gives us more opportunities for growth.”
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AlamyPoprad is usually a winter holiday destination but has more people visiting this summer[/caption]