Latest news with #MamounHmidan
Tourism Breaking News
12 hours ago
- Tourism Breaking News
Baku and Bangkok top Eid Al-Adha travel picks for UAE travellers: Wego
Post Views: 35 Based on Wego's real-time search data, the findings reveal a strong demand for early travel planning and emerging preferences across both short-haul and long-haul escapes. The destinations include Baku- Azerbaijan, Bangkok-Thailand, Tbilisi in Georgia, Kathmandu- Nepal, Bali- Indonesia , Phuket in Thailand, London- United Kingdon and Yervan in Armenia. Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said: 'Eid holidays continue to be a key travel period for UAE residents, and we're seeing a clear shift towards destinations that offer more than just relaxation. Travelers are seeking immersive experiences, cultural depth, and visa-friendly convenience. Cities like Baku, Tbilisi, and Yerevan are rising in popularity as they offer the perfect blend of affordability, accessibility, and charm, making them ideal for both spontaneous getaways and meaningful escapes.'
Arabian Business
16 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Revealed: Eid Al Adha 2025 top destinations for UAE travellers
The UAE has officially declared Eid Al Adha holidays for both the federal and private sectors, with a break from Thursday, June 5, and work resuming on Monday, June 9, 2025. Travel demand has surged during this period. According to recent data from Wego, there is a noticeable uptick in early travel planning, with strong interest in both short-haul getaways and long-haul destinations. 'Eid holidays continue to be a key travel period for UAE residents,' said Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego. 'We're seeing more demand for immersive and culturally rich destinations that are easy to access and offer good value.' Top destinations for Eid travel from the UAE 1. Baku, Azerbaijan Visa: 90 days visa-free for UAE nationals Average airfare: USD 274.37 Highlights: Affordable, accessible, historic and modern blend 2. Bangkok, Thailand Visa: 90 days visa-free Average airfare: USD 449.08 Highlights: Culture, street food, nightlife 3. Tbilisi, Georgia Visa: 1-year visa-free entry Average airfare: USD 374.58 Highlights: Wine culture, mountain scenery, old-town charm 4. Kathmandu, Nepal Visa: Visa on arrival Average airfare: USD 283.03 Highlights: Spiritual sites, nature, heritage 5. Bali, Indonesia Visa: Visa on arrival Average airfare: USD 563.89 Highlights: Beaches, temples, tropical retreats 6. Phuket, Thailand Visa: 30 days visa-free Average airfare: USD 623.70 Highlights: Luxury resorts, beaches, relaxed atmosphere 7. London, United Kingdom Visa: ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) Average airfare: USD 815.55 Highlights: Urban culture, shopping, sightseeing 8. Yerevan, Armenia Visa: Visa-free Average airfare: USD 232.00 Highlights: Cultural escape, budget-friendly, close to home Wego encourages travellers to explore lesser-known and eco-conscious destinations using its travel tools and real-time search data. Earlier this month, Arabian Business reported that Emirates added 13 flights to their existing routes to meet the surge in demand during Eid. The flights will operate to/from regional destinations, including Amman, Dammam, Kuwait and Bahrain.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE residents seek cooler, cheaper Eid, summer destinations amid Schengen visa delays
UAE residents are increasingly opting for cooler, more affordable non-Schengen destinations amid visa difficulties and efforts to avoid overcrowded tourist hotspots ahead of Eid Al Adha and the summer break. Travel agencies in the UAE are seeing growing interest in alternative summer destinations, especially those that are visa-friendly and offer a cooler climate. Top choices include Salalah in Oman and Saudi Arabia's Aseer region, along with scenic destinations across Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe such as Bali, Japan, Zanzibar, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia. In the UAE, residents are set to enjoy up to a four-day break during Eid Al Adha next week, from June 5 to 8. Typically, during the school summer break from June to August, UAE citizens and expats flock to cooler European destinations like the UK, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Italy. However, this year, widespread visa delays are prompting a shift in travel plans. Appointments for the 29-country Schengen area remain unavailable until mid-August, and US visa slots are similarly backed up for the coming quarters. 'We've seen a noticeable increase in searches for non-Schengen, cooler destinations compared to the same period last year,' said Mamoun Hmidan, chief business officer at Wego. 'Delays in Schengen and US visa processing, combined with a preference for short-notice travel and less paperwork, are driving this shift. Travellers are also becoming more aware of beautiful, lesser-known alternatives.' Rashida Zahid, vice president of operations at confirmed the trend, particularly among last-minute travellers. 'There's a clear shift toward destinations that are easier to access and have pleasant weather, rather than traditional European hotspots,' she noted. Top visa-friendly summer escapes For GCC travellers, nearby cooler destinations such as Aseer and Abha in Saudi Arabia, particularly after Hajj, and Salalah in Oman during the Khareef season are becoming popular choices, thanks to their convenient e-visa options. Other popular options include Zanzibar, Bali, Japan, and Nepal, which also offer similarly straightforward entry procedures. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations including Georgia, Almaty (Kazakhstan), Armenia, Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Turkish cities like Trabzon and Antalya are gaining popularity. These places offer a mix of mountain retreats, coastal escapes, and lush landscapes — ideal for beating the UAE's intense summer heat without breaking the bank. Affordable getaway options Rashida Zahid shared that all-inclusive packages for cooler destinations start at just Dh2,200 for a 4-night, 5-day trip, covering flights, accommodation, transfers, and tours. Mamoun Hmidan added that Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, and its mountainous regions like Kazbegi are popular among UAE residents due to their cool temperatures, cultural richness, and visa-free entry. Average airfare is around $375 (Dh1,375). Armenia is another top choice, offering e-visa or visa-free access and average airfares of just $232 (Dh850), making it highly attractive for budget-conscious travellers. Azerbaijan's capital Baku is also gaining traction, combining a cosmopolitan vibe with cool Caspian breezes. 'There's a clear shift toward destinations that are affordable, easy to enter, and offer a break from the heat,' Hmidan noted. Discovering hidden gems UAE residents are increasingly opting for travel 'off the beaten path,' in line with the global post-pandemic trend of avoiding crowded tourist hubs and discovering hidden gems. 'Many travellers are adjusting their timelines due to visa appointment delays, booking more flexible and refundable trips, and selecting backup destinations with easier visa access,' said Hmidan. Rashida Zahid observed that travellers are becoming more proactive, planning trips four to six months in advance — especially for the busy summer season — due to limited visa appointment availability.
Travel Daily News
26-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Wego and Azerbaijan Tourism Board showcase Azerbaijan to MENA travelers
Wego partners with Azerbaijan Tourism Board to position Azerbaijan as a year-round MENA wellness, culture, and adventure destination through curated campaigns. DUBAI, UAE – Wego announce its latest strategic partnership with the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, spotlighting Azerbaijan as an all-season destination tailored for curious, culture-driven, and wellness-seeking travelers from the MENA region. With an increasing demand from Middle Eastern travelers for immersive, nature-connected, and wellness-rich holidays, this collaboration focuses on elevating Azerbaijan's appeal beyond the well known cityscapes of Baku. From the mineral rich thermal springs to the healing Naftalan oil, and alpine retreats in Shahdag, Azerbaijan is rapidly emerging as the region's best-kept secret for holistic getaways, cultural exploration, and thrilling outdoor adventures in lush nature. Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, commented: 'This partnership comes at a time when MENA travelers are seeking experiences that combine authenticity, wellness, and natural beauty. Azerbaijan offers all of this, with an added layer of hospitality that feels like home. Through this collaboration, we aim to bring a fresh narrative to light and guide our users to discover the rich, untapped potential of Azerbaijan across all seasons.' The campaign will highlight key themes such as wellness tourism, cultural heritage trails, eco-luxury stays, and culinary adventures from tasting premium caviar to exploring the Silk Road routes that weave through Sheki. Wego and the Azerbaijan Tourism Board will drive content across multiple digital touchpoints, supported by storytelling, influencer led itineraries, and exclusive travel bundles designed for GCC travelers. Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, commented: 'We are excited to partner with Wego to reposition Azerbaijan as a year-round destination full of surprises. With its proximity, great connectivity, and rich diversity of experiences from snow-covered mountains to subtropical forests Azerbaijan is a perfect match for travelers from the Middle East looking for something both close and captivating. Together with Wego, we'll ensure these stories reach the right audience at the right time.' This collaboration reflects Wego's commitment to redefining how travelers from the MENA region discover new and meaningful destinations. By combining Wego's real-time travel insights and consumer behavior data with Azerbaijan Tourism Board's in-depth local knowledge, the partnership will deliver curated experiences, dynamic campaigns, and data-driven storytelling. Together, both entities aim to unlock new travel corridors, amplify Azerbaijan's visibility among GCC and broader MENA audiences, and inspire a new wave of regional explorers seeking more than just a vacation and an unforgettable journey.
India Today
22-05-2025
- India Today
Pak-linked firm behind 'spy' YouTuber's trips partnered with Azerbaijan two days ago
An investigation into YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra's arrest for allegedly spying for Pakistan has revealed that her trips were frequently sponsored by Wego, a UAE-based travel company that operates in Pakistan and recently partnered with the Azerbaijan Tourism has publicly supported Pakistan and condemned India's recent military strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These strikes, part of 'Operation Sindoor', were launched on May 7 in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian 33-year-old Haryana-based travel vlogger Jyoti Malhotra, currently in the custody of Haryana Police, is among 11 individuals arrested over the past two weeks from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh on suspicion of espionage. Investigators suspect the existence of a Pakistan-linked spy network operating in North India. Jyoti, who runs the YouTube channel 'Travel with JO', has around 4 lakh subscribers and 1.32 lakh followers on Instagram. Jyoti Malhotra has been seen promoting the Wego app in one of her YouTube videos. Police sources said all her sponsors are currently under there is no direct evidence linking Wego to espionage or funding from Pakistan, its operations in the country have raised concerns in the context of this AND AZERBAIJAN DEALJust two days ago, Wego announced a partnership with the Azerbaijan Tourism Board to promote the country as an all-season destination for culture-driven, wellness-seeking travellers from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. lorian Sengstschmid, CEO of the Azerbaijan Tourism Board and Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego. advertisement"Through this collaboration, we aim to bring a fresh narrative to light and guide our users to discover the rich, untapped potential of Azerbaijan across all seasons," said Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at ABOUT WEGOFounded in 2005 under the name Bezurk, Wego is headquartered in Singapore and maintains regional offices in Dubai, Bengaluru, and Jakarta. It is a travel metasearch engine designed to help users in the Asia Pacific and MENA regions compare prices across airlines, hotels, and online travel rebranded in 2008, and its website states: "We're on a mission to help people discover the real value of travel. So ingrained is this idea of the human need to travel that we've woven this emotional and eternal question of 'why we go?' into the name of our organisation - Wego."In Pakistan, Wego operates with a valid travel agency license from the Department of Tourist Services and is accredited by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Its "Book on Wego" feature enables Pakistani travellers to book flights and hotels directly through its InTrending Reel IN THIS STORY#Operation Sindoor
