MENA’s most popular online travel agent, Wego and leading eSIM provider, Airalo, have formed a strategic partnership to provide travellers access to affordable and convenient mobile connectivity solutions.
Through this partnership, Wego customers can now purchase Airalo eSIMs directly via the Wego platform when booking their holiday packages, and enjoy the exclusive discounts of up to 15%.
Available for more than 200 countries and regions, Airalo offers a number of data plans to suit various travel needs. Plans vary for each country and region, and range from 1GB for seven days and go up 25GB for 45 days.
In the past year, Airalo has seen a significant increase in users from the US, UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Singapore, and Australia. Top destinations for their users include the US, Japan, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
When it comes to users based in the Middle East region, however, Airalo says their users prefer to travel within the Gulf region, with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and UAE being the most popular destinations.
Meanwhile, Wego has also revealed their top 10 most popular winter destinations for GCC travellers are Cairo, Jeddah, Istanbul, Cochin, Bangkok, Lahore, London, Dubai, and Kuwait.
According to Wego’s data, the GCC’s Egyptian and Indian expat communities are the driving force behind the list as they return to their home countries during the year-end break, taking advantage of the holiday period to reconnect with family and friends.
Wego’s research also reveals a growing fascination with Europe among GCC travellers seeking festive getaways. London remains a favorite due to its ease of entry, but other European cities are gaining popularity as well. Moscow’s winter landscapes and cultural heritage, for instance, offer a magical atmosphere, while Baku and Tbilisi provide a unique blend of modernity and history, all within a short flight.
Cosmopolitan hubs like Milan and Paris also continue to attract GCC travellers seeking world-class shopping, fine dining, and festive experiences. The charm of European cities during winter, from holiday markets to cultural events, provides a sophisticated retreat; and with direct flights from under four hours, it’s no wonder the convenience and hassle-free escape appeals to GCC travellers.
