Tag Archives: Wego

UAE residents turn to staycations for Eid as Wego sees surge in hotel searches

Wego highlights a growing trend of UAE residents choosing staycations across the Emirates for the upcoming Eid Al-Fitr holiday. As overseas travel plans become more selective, many residents are increasingly opting to enjoy premium experiences closer to home. According to Wego data, searches increased with strong demand for five and four-star beachfront resorts, wellness retreats, and luxury city hotels across Dubai and the wider UAE. “We’re seeing a strong rise in domestic hotel searches on Wego as residents look to spend the Eid holiday within the UAE,” said Craig Hewett, Co-Founder and Chief Hotels Officer at Wego. “The country’s safe and well-managed environment continues to give travelers confidence, and this is translating into growing demand for local resorts and staycations.” The surge reflects a broader shift toward shorter, high-quality getaways, as many UAE residents reconsider long-haul travel plans and instead choose to spend the holiday closer to home. Wego data indicates that travelers are increasingly prioritizing convenience, comfort, and privacy, with strong interest in destinations that allow families and small groups to relax without the logistical complexity of international trips. Luxury beachfront resorts in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah are among the most searched options ahead of the Eid break, particularly properties that offer private beach access, spacious suites, family-friendly facilities, and curated dining experiences. Wellness-focused stays are also gaining traction, with travelers seeking resorts that feature full-service spas, lagoon-style pools, and nature-inspired settings that provide a sense of escape while remaining within a short drive. Many travelers are also taking advantage of the promocode WEGOSAVE26, which offers additional savings on selected luxury hotel bookings across the UAE. *Prices are based on March rates and were accurate at the …

Read More »

Wego data shows Hala February, national holidays and early Ramadan driving travel demand to Kuwait

Wego shares February 2026 travel insights for Kuwait, highlighting elevated inbound interest and active travel planning driven by Hala February celebrations, National and Liberation Day holidays, and early Ramadan preparations toward the end of the month. According to Wego’s data, February consistently ranks among the busiest travel periods for Kuwait. For February travel dates, total bookings for Kuwait increased by 4.8% compared to the same period last year, reflecting a combination of event-driven inbound demand and calendar-led outbound travel planning. Wego data shows a noticeable increase in flight and hotel bookings to Kuwait throughout February, with inbound bookings rising by 9% for travel during the Hala February festival period compared to the same travel period last year. Booking activity remains elevated across the entire month rather than concentrated around a single event, indicating sustained inbound interest linked to festival programming, entertainment events, shopping promotions, and favourable winter conditions. Inbound demand is primarily driven by regional markets, with top source markets including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Syrian Arab Republic, and Bahrain, reflecting Kuwait’s positioning as a regional cultural and events destination during February. Wego observed clear spikes around Kuwait’s National Day and Liberation Day holiday period in late February. Outbound search interest strengthened in the run-up, with early February recording the biggest jump, around 50% higher than the previous week. Outbound travel from Kuwait during this period is characterised by short-haul journeys, with 74% of searches focused on regional destinations. Travellers prioritise flexible travel dates and shorter trip durations aligned with the extended public holiday calendar. As Ramadan approaches toward the end of February, Wego data indicates a shift in travel planning behaviour, with Kuwaiti travellers increasingly scheduling trips …

Read More »

Wego won ‘Best Online Travel Marketplace- KSA’ at Arabian Travel Awards Saudi Arabia

Wego won ‘Best Online Travel Marketplace- KSA’ at the inaugural Arabian Travel Awards Saudi Arabia. “Wining this award shows the hard work the team has been doing over the past many years. Saudi Arabia is a very diversified market with lots of offerings. Mobile users have stood out I would say, with anything to do with digital apps, etc. So, being able to stand out among all that is really a great moment for us. And we’re always proud to be part of TravTalk events, activities, and awards.”- Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer, Wego

Read More »

Wego and Visit Qatar join forces in new travel campaign

Wego teamed up with Visit Qatar to inspire regional travellers by showcasing Qatar’s cultural richness, striking landscapes, and contemporary experiences. This partnership introduces a dynamic campaign that encourages travelers from across the region to discover the many layers of Qatar, beyond the expected. From lively neighborhoods and creative art districts to scenic coastal walks and majestic desert landscapes, the campaign highlights Qatar as a destination where tradition meets modernity. As MENA travellers increasingly seek meaningful, authentic, and comfortable experiences, Qatar emerges as a standout choice, offering a unique fusion of culture, nature, and contemporary leisure. From the bustling alleys of Souq Waqif and the architectural brilliance of the Museum of Islamic Art to the evolving skyline of Lusail and the tranquil waterfront of the Corniche, Qatar offers a journey rich in discovery. Visitors can unwind at Katara’s beaches, savor traditional dishes such as machboos and fresh seafood, explore the creative spaces of Msheireb Downtown, or venture out to the Inland Sea where sweeping dunes meet crystal waters in one of the country’s most breathtaking natural settings. Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said: “This partnership with Visit Qatar allows us to spotlight the country’s remarkable evolution as a travel destination. Our campaign is designed to engage travelers at every stage from inspiration to planning and booking through rich content and seamless tools. Qatar offers something for everyone: thriving cultural quarters, pristine beaches, exceptional cuisine, and a calendar full of world-class events. We’re excited to connect our users to the experiences that make Qatar both distinctive and unforgettable.” Saleh Al-Nisf, MEA & Africa Senior Manager at Visit Qatar said: “Our collaboration with Wego is a key step in amplifying Qatar’s …

Read More »

Wego reveals rising global demand for winter city breaks and shopping led travel to the UAE

Wego recorded more than 2 million total trip searches to the UAE during the peak winter holiday, from December 2025 to January 2026. Hotel searches increased by 7% year on year, while flight searches are up 5%, reflecting sustained interest in short urban stays and leisure travel. Wego released new seasonal insights showcasing a rise in searches to the UAE for winter city breaks, driven by cooler weather, retail-led travel, and short-stay urban experiences. Wego search data shows that international and regional travellers from key markets are increasingly planning winter trips to the UAE, with UAE-bound searches recording year-on-year growth across multiple regions during the current winter period. Flight searches from India increased by 20% YoY, followed by Egypt at 42.74% YoY, highlighting broad-based demand across both short-haul and international markets. Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to rank as the most searched UAE destinations globally on Wego, accounting for 80% of total UAE-bound searches. Demand indicates a preference for compact, experience-rich city breaks that allow travelers to optimize long weekends and flexible time off. Wego’s data also points to a shift in planning behavior. Travelers searching for UAE winter city breaks are planning trips 30 days ahead on average, with 22% of searches occurring within a week of the travel date. This reflects a mix of planned and shorter-lead bookings during peak winter periods. Shopping-led travel remains a key demand driver throughout the season. City-wide retail activations, seasonal promotions, and winter programming, including the Dubai Shopping Festival, year-end sales periods, and New Year calendar events, continue to shape winter travel patterns. The concentration of retail districts alongside dining, entertainment, and waterfront areas adds practical value to short stays, supporting frequent, …

Read More »

France, Spain, Austria, China and Thailand becomes popular escapes for Kuwaitis this season

Based on Wego platform trends for Fall 2025, searches are rising for five standout destinations as travellers trade peak‑summer crowds for cooler weather and culture. The season is also well-timed with late-October school breaks at many Kuwait private schools, ideal for family-friendly getaways. Trending destinations this season begins with Paris, France with a search growth +54.64% YoY indicates that Kuwaitis are opting for shoulder-season escapes. Expect lighter crowds after August, crisp weather ideal for neighborhoods, museums, and riverside walks. Followed by Barcelona, Spain with searches up 20.73% YoY on Wego, showing that Kuwaiti travelers seek out architecture, tapas markets, and mellow beaches without peak‑summer pressure. In third position is Vienna, Austria with searches climbed 23.67% YoY, as travelers lean into coffeehouse culture, operas, and parks awashed with fall colours. In terms of Asia, Guangzhou, China was the standout as searches surged 156.49% YoY for this Chinese city. Fall brings cooler weather for visits to teahouses, but the uptick is likely attributed to easier travel thanks to visa-free entry for Kuwaitis (applicable through June 2025–June 2026). Phuket, Thailand in October brings milder weather post-monsoon, perfect for family trips around mid-terms. 22.43% YoY growth in searches prove Kuwaitis’ increasing interest in Phuket for this season. Families can pair gentler conditions with Old Town strolls, markets, and island‑hopping.

Read More »

Diaspora travel and short-haul escapes drive UAE demand:Wego

Wego reported a 15% year-on-year (YoY) surge in flight searches from the UAE, signalling strong outbound travel demand as residents adjust to the new school term. The data reveals a dual-track travel pattern: essential diaspora trips and short-haul, school-friendly getaways. Core diaspora destinations such as Cairo, Kathmandu, and Damascus dominate the search charts. Cairo leads with a 24.9% YoY increase, while Kathmandu shows impressive 50.8% growth, despite a 31% rise in fares. Searches to Damascus have surged 194.6% YoY, fuelled by the resumption of direct flights and easing of travel restrictions. In Europe, short-haul escapes remain popular. Yerevan leads growth with a 137.9% YoY jump in searches, driven by Armenia’s recent visa-free access for UAE residents. Tbilisi and Baku also posted gains of 11.4% and 3.8% YoY, respectively. Wego also noted a 9% YoY rise in average airfare, suggesting continued travel appetite despite increased costs. With both reunions and quick escapes shaping travel plans, Wego’s insights reflect the evolving preferences of UAE residents balancing family, school schedules, and rising travel demand.

Read More »