E-Commerce Opportunities Thriving in MENA

Dubai, UAE (October 6, 2013): With MENA Internet usage growing at an estimated 40% rate, many websites are now seeking opportunities to monetize their traffic. News portals, content sites and startups are primarily relying upon display advertising as a key form of revenue; however, this trend is likely to decline as it has done in the US and Europe. Instead, a growing number of companies within the MENA region are joining affiliate programs to further drive revenue.

With travel products proving one of the most popular services purchased online, many travel-based news groups, website owners and bloggers are integrating affiliate sites that fit with their audience and user base. HotelsCombined, the world's leading hotel discovery and price comparison site, offers one of the more compelling affiliate programs within MENA. Through the HotelsCombined affiliate program, websites can offer their users a hotel comparison service and consequently drive extra revenue from users looking to book a hotel. This type of affiliate marketing often provides higher revenues than simple banner placements.

Amer Al Halabi, Regional Manager of MENA for HotelsCombined, explained: “Travel products are top of the list when it comes to services purchased online in MENA by both expatriates and locals. With the increase of social media and e-commerce site usage, including an affiliate service like hotel search provides a big financial benefit to website owners.”

VisitAbuDhabi.ae, the official website of the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, is one of HotelsCombined's MENA affiliates.

“The level of customization we provide and our white label mobile responsive sites are particularly popular and are used by website owners from various background including entertainment, news & media and the hospitality sector.” added Halabi.

HotelsCombined.com has over 400,000 hotels worldwide in its database and is accessible in over 40 languages. Its search technology is currently being used by over 20,000 affiliate partners across the globe and by over 100 within the region.

About HotelsCombined: HotelsCombined is the world's leading hotel discovery and price comparison site, allowing travellers to find their ideal accommodation from all the best travel sites in one search. More than 200 million people every year use HotelsCombined.com to find the best prices for 400,000 hotels in 120,000 destinations. HotelsCombined is available in over 40 languages and delivers prices in 120 currencies.