Tag Archives: Wego

Wego revealed the top booking trends for Ramadan. Ramadan is just around the corner, and with it comes a surge in demand for hotel bookings across the UAE. Ramadan brings in a vast number of tourists and locals alike, looking to indulge in the traditions, customs, and festivities that are part and parcel of this holy month. Travellers worldwide are showing an increased willingness to venture beyond their immediate surroundings, leading to a rise in travel-related activities. Spike in Airfare Rates As we enter the month of Ramadan, airfares from the UAE are expected to increase compared to the same period last year. Cheap flights may be harder to come by as the prices for flights to India and the UK have already risen between 13 to 32 percent, according to our data. This year’s Ramadan is coinciding with school breaks, which could be a reason for the instant spike in travel demand. We expect to see a further increase in airfares as we approach the Eid break. We saw that the price for flights to India, for instance, have increased to Dh713.06, up from Dh627.37 in 2022. Similarly, travel to the UK and popular European destinations also experienced rate hikes compared to February 2022. High occupancy rates for hotels Dubai’s hospitality sector saw a strong rebound in 2022 after the COVID pandemic, with 14.36 million international visitors arriving in the emirate and daily occupancy remained over 70% throughout the year.  Due to a busy event schedule and the upcoming Ramadan season, hotel rooms in Dubai have experienced slight price increase and limited availability compared to last year. Many hotels were close to full occupancy due to conferences and the …

Wego and Japan National Tourism Organization bring the best of Japan to travelers. Through this partnership, Wego will work closely with Japan National Tourism Organization and develop a comprehensive and enticing campaign that will highlight the different aspects of Japan and showcase the best winter experiences. This will be promoted through all Wego’s marketing channels. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India of Wego, said: “We are excited to announce our partnership with the Japan National Tourism Organization to promote a new campaign to showcase the best of Japan to the world. Japan has a wealth of cultural and natural treasures that are sure to inspire visitors. This partnership allows us to give people an authentic experience and help travelers discover the unique beauty of the country.” Winter in Japan is one of the best seasons to visit the country, with a wide range of activities and experiences to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes, relax in a hot spring, or experience the country’s rich culture and history, there’s something for every type of traveler. Mr. Daisuke Kobayashi, Executive Director of JNTO Dubai office, commented: “When it comes to traveling to Japan, many people think of the cherry blossom season in spring, but it is not the only attraction. Cherry blossoms in spring, green nature in summer, colored leaves in autumn, and snow in winter. The greatest feature of Japan is the diversity that allows you to enjoy the natural scenery of each season and unique experiences throughout the year. Especially in winter, you can try skiing on the powder snow, which is said to be one of the best …

Wego and CzechTourism partner together in a move to provide travelers with the best travel experiences this winter. The Czech Republic is a beautiful and diverse country with many things to see and do. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just having a good time, there is something for everyone in the Czech Republic. CzechTourism will benefit from Wego’s large user base in the MENA region, and the data and insights it provides on the users’ behavior as well as the personalized travel experience it offers. Both parties will work on a series of campaigns and marketing activities to promote this marvelous winter destination. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India of Wego, said: “We are excited to start our partnership with CzechTourism to promote travel to the country. We are committed to provide our users with more choices and bring the best destinations to explore. This time of the year in the Czech Republic can be magical, with the country’s stunning landscape transformed by snow and ice. It is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a range of winter activities and we expect to see an increased demand from the region to the country in the coming weeks.” The country is a great destination for winter holidays. Travelers can hit the slopes, explore an array of winter activities in store for every type of traveler, or relax at a spa. Marek Kroutil, international marketing manager for Middle East, CzechTourism said: “Czech Republic and especially Prague is a well-known destination amongst the GCC travelers and thanks to many regular or seasonal flights they can get from the main source markets to our …

The Emirates is one of the most easily accessible countries in the world, and every year hundreds and thousands of UAE residents undertake international journeys. While we may all be fans of last-minute, impromptu bookings it might not always seem feasible. But we can make it possible for you. Want to catch a quick break and sneak away for a vacation? Here are the 7 countries that are easily accessible from the UAE, where all you will need is a flight ticket and minimal pre-travel preparations. Oman UAE’s neighbour is one to reckon with when it comes to selecting a country for your international trip. It surely surpasses the expectations of every visitor with its grand mosques, spectacular mountain views, vibrant souks and white-sand beaches. Due to their proximity, non-stop flights are easily available to and from Oman, operated by Emirates, Etihad, Oman Air, Air Arabia and more. The flight duration is just one hour, while connecting flights could take longer. Roundtrip tickets from the UAE to Oman are readily available starting from AED 797. In a historic agreement, both countries have signed a deal to establish a rail network between Oman and the UAE, which will further facilitate travel. The passenger trains are expected to reach 200 kph, running between Sohar and Abu Dhabi in 100 minutes, and between Sohar and Al Ain in 47 minutes. Saudi Arabia Another country sharing land borders with the Emirates is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is frequently visited by millions every year for what Saudi has to offer for every type of traveler all year round. Multiple direct flights are available every day, starting from airfares as low as AED 1,300. …

Wego and Visit Greece announce an agreement to take travelers on an inspiring travel experience this summer. Through Wego and Visit Greece, travelers can grab the best deals and get all the information they need to plan their perfect stay in the country. Wego and Visit Greece will be shedding the light on the best of Greece through tailored content, and guides encompassing all the happenings and things to explore. From the adventurous activities, wild landscapes, the tranquil beaches to the Greek architecture and history, people have a lot to discover in this serene country. Among the top destinations from MENA searching for a stay in summer 2022 in Greece are Saudi Arabia and UAE, with 42% and 11% simultaneously. Egypt ranks third followed by Kuwait, Jordan, Turkey, and Oman.  The trip duration is also longer and ranges between 4 and 7 days. Solo travelers dominate the searches with 64%, followed by couples 19% and then families 11%. And roundtrips account for 74%. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India of Wego, said: “We are excited to partner with Visit Greece. We see an increased demand for this vibrant cosmopolitan hub from the MENA region. We continue to provide our users the best destinations to explore, and Greece is a must see for all travellers.” Dimitris Fragakis, Secretary General of Greek National Tourism Organization, said: “We are extremely happy to work with Wego one of the most influential platforms for the Arabic audience! Our aim is to promote Greece as a destination ideal for couples, for solo travelers, but also for family vacation. Greek mainland and islands are top of mind choices …

Wego has tied up with Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to invite MNEA travelers to enjoy the best of the country in the new norm. To revive tourism in Thailand, the country launched the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022’ campaign. The campaign under the theme “Amazing New Chapters” which the key messages will highlight the abundance of tourism products and services in Thailand that will fulfil all your travel desires, because from A to Z, Thailand has it all. The country ranks among the top 10 destinations for GCC travelers. It will be promoted across all Wego marketing channels to drive more visitors to the country and spread awareness on the new things to do and explore in the country post COVID-19. Chaiwat Tamtai Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand for Dubai and the Middle East commented: “One of the key travel trends for 2022 is workcation. As a result of this trend, Wego saw a spike in the number of searches on holiday homes 136%, hotel apartments 92% and apartments by 69% in Q1 2022 in comparison to the same period last year. And to make the country travel-friendly for workcations & remote jobs, Thailand is planning to launch a long-term resident visa for retirees, working professionals, specialists, and wealthy foreigners.” The top destinations searching for Thailand from Jan to June 2022, are Saudi which saw 56 % compared to the same period in 2021, followed by Kuwait with 15% increase, UAE with 12%, and Bahrain with 7%. 48% of people searching for holidays in Thailand are solos, followed by 27% couples, and 24% families.   Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and …

Wego and Indonesia Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy collaborate to revive tourism to Bali. The all-time favorite destination, Bali, is welcoming tourists in the new norm. Bali is a country of diverse landforms. It has been one of the top honeymoon destinations or holiday spots. Bali has everything for adventure enthusiasts and the solo traveler in search of tranquility, ranging from waterfalls to nightclubs to treks. Through Wego’s vast user base in MENA, Indonesia Tourism Board will be able to promote its destination and Bali specifically to drive more bookings. To revive tourism post covid, Indonesia has launched an exhibition with the theme “It’s time for Bali”. To welcome tourists to the country, Bali offers Visa on arrival to 72 countries. Countries from the middle east like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait have also been added to this list. Alongside, other nationalities’ visitors must apply for the B211A Visit Visa for 60 days. The primary purpose of easing travel to Indonesia is to encourage tourism and attract foreign exchange into the country. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India of Wego, said: “We are expanding our partnerships to cover more destinations and offer our users more choice. Indonesia and particularly Bali is a hot spot for many travellers, especially from the MENA region. We look forward to working with the Indonesia Tourism Board to bring more travellers to the country.” According to a recent study, Indonesia is set to welcome over 900,000 tourists by the end of this quarter. The government is helping curb the spread of covid-19 spread by keeping the highest vaccination rates in Bali and …

Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India of Wego, “The demand for travel continues to see significant growth and recovery post COVID-19. With summer approaching, travelers began planning and booking their holidays, and we are witnessing an increase in bookings and demand for flights to and from the UAE. Travelers are also looking for new experiences and exploring places they haven’t visited before to make up for lost travel in the past two years due to the pandemic. And they are ready to spend more on leisure trips than before. Flight and hotel searches from the UAE during the month of June reached about 3 million, an increase of 77% over the same period last year. Despite the increase in airfares, we continue to see an increase in demand and people are booking longer stays.” He further reiterated, “The airfares for the upcoming Eid Al Adha holiday have spiked for most destinations. If we look at the top destinations from the UAE during the Eid break, the average airfare to Egypt is $551 with an increase of 41% in comparison to the same period last year, the airfare to India is around $379 a rise of 114%, Jordan saw an increase of 45% with an average airfare of $689, the flight to Turkey is $306 with an increase of %36, $788 to Morocco with a rise of 65%, $1,900 to Thailand with a spike of %191, and flights to Lebanon from UAE recorded a 36% increase with the average airfare around $575.”

Wego and German National Tourist Office for the GCC sign new partnership to inspire travellers to visit the country post COVID-19. The German.Local.Culture. campaign promotes Germany focusing on four themes: ‘Flair, Craft, Taste and Green’. The campaign will be marketed to Wego’s wide user base to bring more travellers from the MENA region. Wego’s data shows that Germany is in the top 10 destinations for MENA travellers looking to travel to Europe in 2022. The campaign will be launched digitally through social media networks for a broader reach to establish an authentic image of Germany as a sustainable travel destination. The country attracts tourists for its historic architecture, picturesque Old Towns, urban city vitality, impressive industrial monuments, castles and palaces and unspoiled nature. The ‘Flair’ theme showcases the architectural styles of the German cities and places of cultural interest to the tourists. The theme highlights the regional roots of small towns with fascinating historical stories. GNTB, through the campaign, aims to reignite the love of architecture among foreign tourists. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India of Wego, said: “Following the successful campaigns, we’re partnering with the German National Tourist Board for the third year running. We are looking forward to inviting even more travellers to this preferred European destination through this campaign.” The campaign also focuses on enjoyable travel experiences even under covid-19 circumstances. These experiences include Germany’s classical and world-famous opera houses attracting about one-third of worldwide operatic performances. The famous opera houses have historic concert halls, ornate stucco, and plush furniture. Yamina Sofo, director of sales and marketing at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO GCC), said: “The GCC …

Wego and Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BETA) launch a campaign to drive tourism to the country. Bahrain saw signs of recovery in the second half of 2021, which was impacted by the opening of King Fahad causeway. Wego and BTEA are working closely to attract more travelers to the country in line with the Government’s strategy for 2026 which aims to bring over 14.1 million tourists. The campaign will shed light on the things to do in the country for all types of travelers including solos, couples, and families as well as the key destinations to explore. It will be promoted on all Wego’s marketing channels and aims to convert searches to bookings. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, MENA and India, Wego, commented: “We continue to partner with tourism boards to promote tourism recovery and attract more travelers to the destinations in the new norm in 2022. We’re proud to collaborate with Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. This partnership further strengthens our commitment to our customers to offer them the best destinations to visit.” Dr. Nasser Qaedi, the CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, said: “The launch of our partnership with Wego reinstates our drive to increase international footfall into the Kingdom and it comes at the right time as the island is filled with fantastic events and activities for tourists to enjoy.”