Driving Innovation in Indian Travel: Founded in 2005, Wego has emerged as the leading travel app and online marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
Bernard Corraya, General Manager of Wego India, reflects on a dynamic professional journey shaped by entrepreneurship, strategic leadership, and a passion for building impactful business relationships.
Joining Wego in 2013 to spearhead the Advertising Sales unit, Corraya quickly rose through the ranks, assuming the role of General Manager in May 2017. “My focus has been on laying a robust foundation for Wego’s growth in India and broadening our product offerings,” he shares.
Corraya’s enthusiasm for the travel industry stems from its dynamic nature and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
“One of my most memorable achievements at Wego has been driving the company’s growth in India and fostering cross-industry alliances that distinguish us in a competitive market,” he says.
Setting Wego Apart
Wego India has carved a niche in a crowded marketplace by prioritizing personalized and user-friendly travel experiences. “Our platform enables users to effortlessly compare prices and access a broad array of accommodations, flights, and activities,” Corraya explains. “We deeply understand local travel preferences and offer tailored services like real-time price comparisons, exclusive discounts, and curated travel content.”
Emphasizing the role of technology, Wego leverages advanced AI and machine learning to enhance customer experiences. “Our algorithms analyze user behavior to provide smart, personalized recommendations. This, coupled with continuous app and website optimizations, ensures a seamless booking experience,” he notes.
The pandemic posed significant challenges to the travel sector, but Wego adapted swiftly. “We emphasized flexibility, safety, and reliability, updating our platform with COVID-19 travel advisories and promoting domestic travel,” Corraya reveals. “Helping users feel secure during uncertain times has been central to our strategy.”
Understanding Indian Travelers
-
Wego’s insights into Indian travelers reveal a shift toward mindful and sustainable travel
-
“There’s growing interest in offbeat destinations, luxury stays, and wellness tourism,” Corraya observes
-
“Weekend getaways and nature-based experiences are also gaining traction.”
To meet overall tourism demand, Wego has partnered with eco-conscious hotels and destinations, promoting sustainability. “We provide users with information on reducing their travel carbon footprint, empowering them to make environmentally responsible choices,” he emphasizes.
Corraya highlights the transformative role of digital tools and AI in reshaping the travel industry. “AI enables us to deliver smarter search results, dynamic pricing, and real-time support through chatbots, enhancing the overall booking experience,” he says.
Navigating Challenges
India’s diversity presents both challenges and opportunities. “Catering to the country’s varied cultural, regional, and linguistic nuances requires customization,” Corraya admits. Educating travelers on the benefits of platforms like Wego has also been a hurdle, but it has spurred innovation and tailored strategies to meet diverse needs.
Personal Insights and Advice
A travel enthusiast himself, Corraya finds inspiration in India’s diversity. “I love Goa for its relaxed vibe and Kerala for its lush greenery and cultural heritage,” he shares. “My recent fascination has been jungle safaris in Madhya Pradesh, which offer a thrilling connection to nature.”
Staying ahead in the fast-evolving travel industry requires constant learning. “I attend industry events, webinars, and workshops and stay engaged with peers and customers to understand emerging trends,” Corraya notes.
For aspiring travel tech professionals, his advice is clear: “Be curious, adaptable, and committed to lifelong learning. Embrace new technologies, understand customer preferences, and hone both technical and soft skills. Flexibility and innovation are key in this dynamic field.”
Founded in 2005, Wego has emerged as the leading travel app and online marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
With dual headquarters in Dubai and Singapore and regional operations across cities like Bangalore and Kuala Lumpur, Wego offers award-winning travel search websites and apps that automate the process of comparing flights, hotels, and more. By delivering unbiased comparisons of local and global options, Wego empowers travelers to make informed decisions and find the best deals effortlessly.
***********************************************************
Readers
These are extraordinary times. All of us have to rely on high-impact, trustworthy journalism. And this is especially true of the Indian Diaspora. Members of the Indian community overseas cannot be fed with inaccurate news.
Pravasi Samwad is a venture that has no shareholders. It is the result of an impassioned initiative of a handful of Indian journalists spread around the world. We have taken a small step forward with the pledge to provide news with accuracy, free from political and commercial influence. Our aim is to keep you, our readers, informed about developments at ‘home’ and across the world that affect you.
Please help us to keep our journalism independent and free.
In these difficult times, running a news website requires finances. While every contribution, big or small, will make a difference, we request our readers to put us in touch with advertisers worldwide. It will be a great help.
For more information: pravasisamwad00@gmail.com