Eastern Europe travel

In 2025, global travel is shifting toward more authentic and affordable destinations — and Eastern Europe is leading that change. For travel agents and tour operators, countries like Croatia, Hungary, and Slovenia offer high-margin, low-competition options that are rich in culture, scenic beauty, and unforgettable experiences. Selling Eastern Europe is not just smart — it’s profitable. For years, Western Europe has dominated the itineraries of most international travelers. Cities like Paris, Rome, and London have consistently drawn millions of tourists annually, making them safe, familiar choices for agents selling group tours, FITs, and honeymoon packages. But as 2025 unfolds, a noticeable shift is happening in the travel industry. Tourists are growing more curious, more value-conscious, and more interested in authentic experiences over typical tourist routes. This shift presents a remarkable opportunity for B2B travel professionals: Eastern Europe, and particularly Croatia, Hungary, and Slovenia, is fast becoming the new frontier for profitable and in-demand itineraries. For agents and operators seeking high-margin, experience-rich, and less-saturated destinations, these three countries offer exactly that — and more. And with the support of the best DMCs for Europe, crafting seamless, multi-country experiences has never been easier. In this blog, we’ll explore why Croatia, Hungary, and Slovenia deserve your attention in 2025 and how they can help you generate higher client satisfaction and stronger commissions. Croatia: A Coastal Gem Packed with Possibilities Croatia’s global recognition skyrocketed in recent years, especially due to the popularity of “Game of Thrones,” which featured Dubrovnik as King’s Landing. But Croatia is far more than a film location. With its stunning Adriatic coastline, historic walled towns, natural parks, and island escapes, Croatia delivers a blend of old-world charm and modern travel experiences. Why Agents Should Sell Croatia: Versatile Destinations: From the cobbled streets of Dubrovnik and Split to the cascading waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia caters to history lovers, nature seekers, and beachgoers alike. Ideal for Themed Tours: Croatia is great for heritage circuits, cruise add-ons, honeymoon getaways, and even adventure travel. Affordable Luxury: Compared to Western Europe, Croatia offers excellent 4-star and boutique accommodations at a lower cost, making it attractive for mid-range clients. B2B Benefits: Croatia offers strong off-season potential, particularly in spring and early fall when the weather is pleasant, but crowds are fewer. Seamless access to Montenegro, Bosnia, and even Italy for combination packages. Reliable DMC infrastructure with group-friendly pricing and English-speaking guides. Leading DMC partners operating in Croatia now fall under the radar of the best DMCs for Europe, giving travel agents greater confidence in service delivery. Visa support is relatively smooth for most international travelers, especially from Asia. Hungary: Budapest and Beyond Hungary, and more specifically Budapest, has quietly risen to become one of the most visited cities in Europe. Straddling the Danube River, Budapest impresses visitors with its architectural grandeur, thermal spas, vibrant culture, and surprising affordability. Yet, it still remains less saturated than other capital cities like Vienna or Prague. Why Agents Should Sell Hungary: Unique Selling Points: The combination of Buda and Pest gives travelers a diverse city experience — from castle hill walks to ruin bar nights. Thermal and Wellness Travel: Budapest’s historic baths, like Széchenyi and Gellért, make it an ideal destination for wellness-themed itineraries. Cultural Landmarks: The Parliament building, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Chain Bridge are iconic stops with wide appeal across demographics. B2B Benefits: Excellent pairing opportunities with Vienna, Bratislava, or Prague for Central Europe circuits. Very affordable hotels and services, making Hungary one of the most cost-effective options for luxury-style travel. Budapest is a growing market for MICE, small incentive groups, and pre-wedding shoots. Support from the best DMCs for Europe operating locally makes it easier than ever to execute smooth, multi-city travel logistics. English proficiency is high, especially in tourism, easing logistics for agents and travelers alike. Slovenia: Europe’s Best-Kept Secret If there is a country in Europe that blends Swiss-style landscapes with Eastern European pricing, it’s Slovenia. Though smaller in size, Slovenia offers a remarkable variety of experiences — Alpine adventures, serene lakes, charming old towns, and sustainable tourism practices. Why Agents Should Sell Slovenia: Unforgettable Natural Beauty: From the turquoise waters of Lake Bled to the underground marvels of Postojna Cave, Slovenia’s landscape is ideal for soft adventure, nature retreats, and family travel. Sustainable & Wellness Travel: Slovenia is often ranked among Europe’s greenest countries and is gaining attention for eco-lodges, yoga retreats, and slow travel itineraries. Cultural Richness: Ljubljana, the capital, is compact, clean, walkable, and full of cafes, markets, and cultural festivals. B2B Benefits: Slovenia can be seamlessly combined with Austria, Italy, or Croatia, enabling agents to offer 3-country tours with minimal transfers. Limited competition in the Indian and Southeast Asian outbound market — ideal for positioning your agency as a specialist. Great for niche travelers: wellness seekers, couples, senior groups, and offbeat luxury clients. Top-rated DMC partners in Slovenia are now being recognized as part of the best DMC network for Europe, providing real-time support and customization options. Fewer visa complications for European Schengen holders. Regional Circuits That Work A key strength of this region is its connectivity. Whether by road or rail, travelers can comfortably cover 3–4 countries in under 10 days, offering agents the chance to design multi-country experiences at competitive prices. Sample Sellable Itineraries: 7N/8D Central Europe: Budapest – Ljubljana – Lake Bled – Zagreb 10-Day Grand Tour: Slovenia – Croatia – Hungary – Austria 5N/6D Mini Getaway: Dubrovnik – Split – Plitvice Lakes – Zagreb Wellness Escape: Budapest (spas) + Slovenia (Lake Bled & Yoga Retreat) Romantic Trio: Venice – Ljubljana – Plitvice (Honeymoon Package) These packages are easy to tailor and optimize for FITs, small groups, senior travelers, and even millennials. And with support from the best DMCs for Europe, operations are smoother, more cost-effective, and fully customizable for your audience. Why Eastern Europe Offers High B2B Potential in 2025 As the global travel market matures, travelers are seeking experiences that are not just unique but also affordable and authentic. Eastern Europe