TRAVEL metasearch engine Wego has opened an office in Dubai as part of its global expansion strategy, and has appointed Mohamad Ibrahim Masri as managing director – Middle East and North Africa.
The dedicated full-service operation in Dubai joins Wego’s network of operations in Singapore, Bengaluru and Jakarta, and follows the launch of Wego’s Arabic language metasearch site in April last year. Middle East and North African travellers now account for one in every seven searches on Wego.
Mohamad Ibrahim brings 16 years of regional experience to the company, including roles at Singapore Airlines and Tourism Malaysia.
“We are working with flagship carriers, hotel brands and OTAs across the Middle East, but the priority is going to be further integration and customisation to meet the burgeoning demand right into the long tail,” said Mohamad Ibrahim.
According to PhoCusWright, the online travel sector in the United Arab Emirates alone will grow 24 per cent in 2013 and 22 per cent in 2014 to reach US$9.5 billion, of which OTAs will account for US$3.2 billion.
