Tag Archives: Wego

Wego walked away winning the ‘Best online travel marketplace, KSA’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Winning the Best Online Travel Marketplace in Saudi Arabia reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional value to travellers and partners in the Kingdom. This win will inspire us to continue evolving, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry and provide even greater value to our customers. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the organisers for this prestigious recognition.”-Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer, Wego

Wego partnered with Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) to spotlight the Kingdom of Bahrain as a premier travel destination. This collaboration aims to promote Bahrain’s unique cultural heritage, top attractions, and cutting-edge tourism innovations to global travelers. Bahrain, known as the “Pearl of the Gulf,” is an archipelago offering a rich blend of history, luxury, and modernity. Through this partnership, Wego will leverage its platform to highlight Bahrain’s iconic destinations, including the UNESCO-listed Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort), the vibrant Bab Al Bahrain Souq, the stunning Al Dar Islands, and the world-famous Bahrain International Circuit, home of Formula 1 racing. Commenting on the partnership, Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with and Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority to showcase the Kingdom’s unique offerings to our global audience. Bahrain is a treasure trove of cultural, natural, and modern attractions, and through this partnership, we aim to inspire travelers to explore this dynamic destination.” Travelers will also be introduced to Bahrain’s innovative tourism initiatives. The Kingdom is embracing cutting-edge technology, offering seamless digital travel experiences and sustainable tourism practices. From immersive virtual tours to smart city solutions enhancing visitor convenience, Bahrain is setting a benchmark in modern travel. Additionally, Bahrain’s commitment to eco-tourism is evident in its focus on preserving natural habitats like the unique Hawar Islands and offering experiences such as pearl diving and marine conservation tours. Maryam Toorani Director, Marketing and Promotion at Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority added: “This partnership with Wego allows us to reach thousands of travelers and highlight Bahrain as a must-visit destination. From its historical landmarks to its forward-thinking tourism innovations, Bahrain has something to …

Wego revealed data on the most popular destinations favored by Kuwait travelers this year and they include Egypt, India, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, the Philippines, Thailand, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom. Wego observes that Kuwaiti travelers continue to favor these same countries throughout the year for homecoming and holiday trips. Wego’s experts further forecast that this lineup will likely remain unchanged for the remainder of 2024. This steady preference is driven by several factors, including strong family ties, affordable travel options, and a familiarity with the destinations. Traveler dynamics Wego data reveals that a substantial 75% of bookings were made by solo travelers.  This trend could be driven by factors such as solo business trips, personal leisure travel, or flexible schedules that allow individuals to explore destinations on their own terms. Meanwhile, couples and families accounted for 20% of the travel bookings, highlighting varied travel dynamics within the Kuwaiti population. The remaining percentage is made up of group travel bookings. These varied travel dynamics reflect the diverse preferences within the Kuwaiti population, from independent adventurers to those seeking experiences with loved ones. Cultural familiarity boosts popularity of some destinations Further analysis by Wego indicates that cultural familiarity plays a pivotal role in destination choice. Destinations such as Georgia and Azerbaijan in Europe, along with Indonesia and Malaysia in Southeast Asia, feature prominently on the list of most-searched destinations this year. These places are noted to offer visa-free entry or easy online visa applications for Kuwaiti citizens, enhancing their appeal as hassle-free travel options. Healthy growth Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer of Wego, said: “We observe that the Kuwaiti travel market has seen a robust 14.69% year-over-year increase …

According to Wego data, international flight bookings from the UAE for travel in February have surpassed the numbers during the same period last year by 70.1%. The consecutive occurrence of Ramadan, Eid al Fitr, and spring break in 2024 is anticipated to encourage the same YoY leap in bookings for trips scheduled in the coming months. Wego revealed the top travel trends for Ramadan 2024 in the UAE.  Wego has noted a spike in demand for flight and hotel reservations from the UAE in the lead up to the festive season. As we enter the holy month of Ramadan, Wego data showed that airfares to some destinations may get even more expensive this year. The average airfare to the Philippines, a favored destination for UAE travelers, is now AED 1,331.93, compared to AED 895.56 in 2023. Meanwhile, YoY average prices for flights to the UK and Germany have risen by 23.88% and 60.42% respectively. Wego anticipates that ticket prices for popular destinations will continue to climb, especially with more families potentially planning getaways during the holidays. Surge in hotel occupancy and room prices Amidst a bustling month teeming with significant events like the Gulfood trade show, Dubai Duty Free tennis championships among others, Dubai has observed an uptick in hotel occupancy rates in February 2024, with bookings on Wego surpassing last year’s figures by 23.2%. Concurrently, the average Dubai hotel room rates have experienced a YoY surge of 20.3%. Dubai hotel occupancy and daily rates may still move in an upward trajectory through the next few months, as Wego’s data indicates that demands for staycations among UAE residents also typically grow during Ramadan weekends and Eid al Fitr holiday. High travel …

Wego and the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority are partnering to promote Bahrain as a leading travel destination. This strategic partnership combines Wego’s cutting-edge travel technology with Bahrain’s abundant cultural heritage and diverse attractions, promising an unmatched experience for travelers worldwide. Wego, renowned for connecting millions of users to a wide array of travel options, is excited to join forces with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority to showcase the Kingdom’s unique attractions, historical landmarks, and warm hospitality. This collaboration signifies a shared commitment to enhancing Bahrain’s visibility on the global stage and driving tourism growth for the Kingdom. The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, recognizing Wego’s extensive reach and user-friendly platform as key assets to promote Bahrain’s beauty and charm. With its blend of modernity and tradition, Bahrain has much to offer, from vibrant markets and cultural festivals to historical sites and pristine beaches. “Wego is delighted to collaborate once again with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority to spotlight the incredible offerings of Bahrain,” said Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Business Officer of Wego. “Our platform is dedicated to inspiring and facilitating travel experiences, and we are eager to showcase Bahrain’s rich tapestry to our global audience. This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to promoting exceptional destinations and creating memorable journeys.” The co-marketing initiative will leverage Wego’s digital platform to feature dedicated sections highlighting Bahrain’s key attractions, travel tips, and exclusive promotions. The collaboration aims to position Bahrain as a top destination for travelers seeking a blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation. Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority is confident that this partnership will contribute to the Kingdom’s tourism goals and foster positive …

Wego announced a strategic partnership with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) with the goal of positioning Hong Kong as a leading global travel destination for GCC. Wego is eager to collaborate with HKTB to highlight Hong Kong’s distinct attractions, cultural richness, and modern allure. The Hong Kong Tourism Board eagerly welcomes this collaboration, recognizing Wego’s expansive reach and user-friendly platform as instrumental in highlighting the allure and distinctiveness of Hong Kong. From its seamless fusion of modernity and tradition to the plethora of experiences – be it the iconic skyscrapers and bustling markets or the serene landscapes and exquisite cuisine – Hong Kong captivates travelers with its diversity. In expressing his anticipation for the collaboration, Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Business Officer of Wego, commented, “Embarking on this exciting venture with the Hong Kong Tourism Board allows us to showcase the extraordinary offerings of this world-class destination. Wego’s commitment to inspiring and facilitating travel experiences aligns seamlessly with our goal of presenting Hong Kong’s diverse tapestry to a global audience. This partnership underscores our joint dedication to promoting exceptional destinations and curating unforgettable journeys.” Utilizing Wego’s digital platform, the co-marketing initiative will spotlight Hong Kong’s key attractions, provide insider travel tips. This collaboration aims to position Hong Kong as the ultimate destination for travelers in search of a harmonious blend of culture, innovation, and unparalleled experiences. Puneet Kumar, Director, South Asia and Middle East of Hong Kong Tourism Board said: “We are excited to partner with Wego Middle East in creatively presenting Hong Kong to all travel enthusiasts in the GCC. Hong Kong has become more accessible for GCC nationals with improved daily air connectivity and visa-free travel. We’re excited to …

Wego launched WegoPro, a modern platform that simplifies business travel and expense management for companies globally. Formerly known as Travelstop, WegoPro will debut today in 7 key markets in the MENA region, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and Egypt. The rebranding follows Wego’s acquisition of Travelstop in September 2023, reinforcing Wego’s commitment to offer comprehensive travel solutions to businesses in the region. Market research firms predict that the global business travel market will be valued at over US$1.8 trillion by 2027 and will return to the pre-pandemic levels of US$1.4 trillion this year. A significant part of that growth is expected to come from markets in Asia and the MENA region. That growth, coupled with the increasing demand for more modern and innovative business travel solutions, represents a substantial opportunity for WegoPro in the region. “The Middle East is a very young population and most people in the workforce today have grown up with powerful travel apps and websites, like Wego, that have let them book their own personal travel,” said Ross Veitch, Wego CEO & Co-Founder. “In stark contrast in their professional lives they are often forced to book their business trips through cumbersome offline booking processes having to email back and forth with a corporate travel management company and then to go through a tedious approval process. After the trip expense reports then need to be filed in a process normally involving Excel, receipts and sticky tape. With the launch of WegoPro today we are leveraging technology and our deep experience in the B2C space to bring business travel & expense management into the 21st century.” WegoPro offers a diverse and extensive range of flight and …

According to Wego’s data there is a surge in flight bookings 11.37% YoY increase in international flight bookings for the travel period between November 2023 and January 2024, as more MENA travellers are flying this winter compared to last year. Wego also observed that there’s been a steady rise in booking numbers every year since the post-pandemic period of 2021, reflecting a growing appetite for winter travel among MENA travellers. The latest findings included this season witnesses families and travellers gearing up for winter trips, either for leisurely vacations or for expat residents to return home. In time for the holiday, Wego has identified several winter travel trends among MENA travellers. Among the top destinations this winter Cairo stands out as the top destination among MENA residents, followed closely by Jeddah, Dubai, Istanbul, and Kuwait. Major cities in the South and Southeast Asia also feature on the list, with Manila, Lahore, and Delhi in the top 10. Travel interest in these destinations may represent the homecoming trips for the Filipino, Indian, and Pakistani communities in the region. According to Wego’s data, average flight prices for some popular routes are lower this winter compared to last year. Flights to Cairo from several GCC countries notably saw some of the steepest price drops, averaging up to 35% cut compared to last year’s winter period. Moreover, these same Cairo routes are now cheaper than during this year’s summer holiday, between 5 to 43.56% decrease, depending on the departure city. Even compared to pre-pandemic rates, Cairo routes now sport cheaper price tags. For instance, the average ticket price from Riyadh to Cairo in 2023 has dropped by 112.81% compared to the winter period toward the end of …

Wego  announced a new collaboration aimed at promoting Morocco as a premier travel destination. This partnership combines Wego’s innovative travel technology with the rich cultural heritage and diverse offerings of Morocco, creating an unparalleled experience for global travelers. Wego, a pioneer in the online travel space, connects millions of users to a vast array of travel options, making trip planning seamless and enjoyable. The partnership with Moroccan National Tourist Office signifies a shared commitment to enhancing the visibility of Morocco on the global stage and driving tourism growth for the country. This partnership will showcase the beauty, history, and unique attractions of Morocco to MENA travelers. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and warm hospitality, Morocco is poised to become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking diverse experiences. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Business Officer of Wego, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “At Wego, we are dedicated to inspiring and facilitating travel experiences. Our collaboration with Moroccan National Tourist Office is a testament to our commitment to promoting exceptional destinations. Morocco’s rich cultural tapestry, historical landmarks, and diverse landscapes align perfectly with what our users seek. We are thrilled to bring the magic of Morocco to the fingertips of travelers around the world.” The partnership aims to leverage Wego’s extensive reach, data-driven insights, and user-friendly platform to elevate Morocco’s visibility and attract a broader audience of travelers. Through joint marketing initiatives, curated content, and exclusive promotions, the collaboration seeks to position Morocco as a top destination for adventure, culture, and relaxation. As part of the partnership, Wego will feature dedicated sections on its platform highlighting Morocco’s key attractions, travel tips, and exclusive offers. Users will have access to comprehensive travel information, …

As travel picks up once again around the world. Wego provides a detailed report on Egypt’s top flight destinations for domestic and international travel in 2023. According to Wego’s 2023 data so far, Kuwait and Jeddah are highly favored by Egyptian travelers as top international destinations due to convenient accessibility and wide range of attractions. Following these two cities are Dubai, Doha, and Muscat. On the domestic front, Cairo takes the lead as the most popular choice even for local tourists. Along with Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Aswan, and Luxor also captivate Egyptian travelers with their unique characteristics. During the ongoing changes within the travel industry, Wego’s core mission is to assist Egyptian travelers in uncovering their preferred destinations, offering a streamlined booking process for flights and accommodations to ensure an exceptional travel experience. With a wide range of flight options at their disposal, those with a passion for global exploration will find countless opportunities in 2023.