As travel demand in the Middle East continues to outpace many global regions, online travel platform Wego is accelerating its investment in artificial intelligence to meet rising expectations for personalization, flexibility, and real-time information. In an interview with Travelmao, CEO and co-founder Ross Veitch detailed how the company is adapting its product strategy to serve increasingly informed and intentional travelers across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.
Shorter Booking Windows and Resilient Demand
Veitch noted that over the past 12 months, travelers have become more deliberate in their planning. "Price remains important, but it's increasingly balanced with convenience, flexibility, and confidence," he said. One of the most notable shifts has been shorter booking windows, particularly during periods of operational disruption, while demand for premium leisure and long-haul travel has stayed robust. Saudi Arabia stands out as a dual powerhouse—both as a source market and a destination—driven by domestic appetite, growing international interest, and the momentum of Vision 2030. This resilience is reflected in the rapid recovery of flight schedules across key corridors, such as Riyadh–Dubai and Jeddah–Cairo, after recent airspace disruptions.
The broader GCC travel market remains one of the world's most dynamic, supported by expanding airline networks and strong consumer demand. Wego is seeing healthy traffic on routes served by carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and flynas, as well as increased interest in emerging destinations within the region.
AI as a Trusted Travel Companion
Wego is embedding AI across the customer journey to improve search relevance, deliver personalized recommendations, and help travelers compare options based on their preferences and budgets. "AI is fundamentally changing how travelers discover, plan, and book their journeys," Veitch said. The technology also powers operational efficiencies, including automated customer support and optimized search results during peak demand periods. Looking ahead, Veitch envisions AI evolving into a proactive travel companion that offers real-time guidance from inspiration through booking. This aligns with broader industry trends, as highlighted in a recent SITA report showing that digital tools have cut mishandled bags by 23% in 2025, underscoring the role of technology in smoothing the travel experience.
Digitizing Religious Tourism
Religious travel, particularly Umrah and Hajj, is a growing focus for Wego. Partnerships with tourism authorities, airlines, and government entities are central to simplifying the pilgrim experience. "Bringing together flights, accommodation, and transport within a single platform helps reduce friction throughout the journey," Veitch explained. Saudi Arabia's digital transformation under Vision 2030 is redefining the experience for both religious and leisure visitors. Wego's collaboration with entities like the Saudi Tourism Authority and carriers such as Saudia aims to provide trusted information and integrated booking options. This mirrors efforts by other travel-tech firms, such as Emerging Travel Group, which recently appointed Samyra Krooswijk to lead direct supply growth in the Middle East.
Navigating Uncertainty with Real-Time Data
Geopolitical tensions and fluctuating airfares have created a complex environment for travelers. Wego's response focuses on providing real-time pricing, comprehensive travel options, and timely updates as airline schedules evolve. During recent disruptions, customer service teams worked around the clock to assist with itinerary changes. Veitch emphasized that while traveler behavior may become more cautious in the short term, the underlying appetite for travel remains strong. The resilience seen across the region, particularly in Saudi Arabia, suggests that demand will rebound quickly once stability returns. This is consistent with broader APAC trends, as Klook data shows 95% of travelers are keeping their 2026 plans despite global uncertainties.
As Wego continues to scale its AI capabilities and deepen partnerships, the platform is positioning itself as an intelligent travel companion for a new generation of Middle Eastern travelers. With Saudi Arabia leading the charge, the region's travel market shows no signs of slowing down.
