The largest online travel marketplace across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Wego, has partnered with Austria’s national tourism organization, the Austrian National Tourist Office (ANTO) to bring in more GCC tourists to the country this summer.
The Central European country allows travelers from countries with a low incidence rate (like Saudi Arabia and Qatar), that can either show proof of negative PCR test or proof of full vaccination starting the 15th day after their second dose, to visit the country without the need to self-isolate. Also, travelers from other countries like UAE, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait can currently enter Austria without the need to self-isolate if they are fully vaccinated.
As part of the partnership, Wego will promote Austria through its platforms, both the website and application. This will include targeted emails to Wego’s vast MENA users in addition to articles, push notifications and social media campaigns focusing on Austria as a safe and one of the must-go-to tourist destinations for this summer.
Mamoun Hmedan MD – Wego MENA & India
“We’re excited to expand our partnerships to one of the most beautiful European countries. Located in the heart of Europe and nestled between the Danube and the Alps, Austria is a must-go-to country for every traveler. GCC travelers have been eagerly waiting to visit Austria. Through such partnerships, we aim to drive more travelers to the country by promoting it to our large user base in the Mena region. We look forward to forging a long-lasting relationship with The Austrian National Tourist Office.”
The joint campaign will increase Austria’s awareness as a safe destination and one of the most serene and beautiful travel countries. It will also drive the conversation rate to generate interest and bookings to the country.
Mr. Robert Groblacher, Director of ANTO Middle East, commented, “In 2019, almost half a million visitors from the GCC created about 1.4 million bed nights in Austria. In 2020, there was almost no touristic activity from the GCC due to the COVID-19 situation. We can see a vast interest in visiting our country again since the borders for travelers from the region opened again on the 1st of July 2021.”
Austria offers its visitors a safe experience by keeping COVID-19 numbers low and applying stricter measures to control the spread of the virus. From 15 August, the country has mandated the guests to be fully vaccinated to enter restaurants, hotels or need to present a negative PCR test.
