How eSIM is Taking Over the Travel
Industry by Storm
eSIM technology was invented a few years
ago and is currently taking the the travel industry by storm. Visit USA CEO Kate Kenward recently tested Hubby eSIMs during the IPW tourism conference in Los
Angeles - read on for more details...
What is an eSIM and Why
is it Necessary?
An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows your
device to connect to local networks without the need for a physical SIM card.
This technology enables travelers to connect to local rates, significantly
reducing the cost of data usage. This is especially relevant in post-Brexit
world where pesky roaming charges have been reintroduced in Europe as well.
With an eSIM, you don't need to worry
about getting a new phone number; you can keep your existing number while using
local data plans. Activating an eSIM is as simple as selecting the appropriate
mobile network upon arrival, ensuring you are connected instantly.
eSIMs are also much more cost-effective
than traditional roaming options, offering data at approximately 70% less than
standard roaming rates. For instance, 1GB of data in the USA costs about $4.5
with an eSIM.
Internet as a core part
of a modern travel package?
Go to any travel event and you’ll be
bombarded by eSIM providers. Why? The travel industry is embracing eSIM
technology because mobile internet is a crucial service for travelers. The
playing field has changed, and not having internet access can and will
significantly detract from the travel experience.
Where there’s a need, there’s
capitalization, and the travel industry is taking advantage of this marriage of
problem-solution through two main models. First, some travel companies offer
eSIMs as an ancillary service, providing it as an upsell to boost revenue.
Second, others opt to include eSIMs in
their travel packages, under the paradigm that it enhances the overall service
the travel company provided to travelers far more than the cost of the eSIM.
Hubby eSIM, a visit USA member, pioneered the latter approach, sending
partner-branded vouchers to all travelers and invoicing travel companies per
installation. In their partnership with On the Beach for the United States, 90%
of the sent vouchers were installed, showcasing the effectiveness and necessity
of including eSIMs in travel packages as the customers couldn’t wait to get
their hands on the service.
These travellers use on average 2.3GB of Mobile Data on their trip to the US,
providing them with data for the whole family during their trip, while On the
Beach pays less than 5 pounds for this service.
“There’s plenty of eSIM providers out
there, but we are the only ones focusing fully on the travel trade. We believe
that every package holiday should include mobile data, as the modern traveller
requires connection like home, on holiday.” - Boris Bijlstra, Co-Founder of
Hubby eSIM
Successful Trials and
Positive Feedback
During the IPW conference, our members
had the chance to use Hubby eSIMs with 10GB data bundles, averaging 3.5GB of
usage during the event. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, specifically
highlighting the ease of installation and reliable connectivity and how it
changed their trip, from endlessly searching for wifi, to always being
connected.
Kate, Visit USA UK CEO,
shared her experience, noting how smoothly everything worked and expressing her
gratitude for allowing our members to trial this innovative technology.
In a Nutshell…
This trial at IPW underscores the growing
importance of eSIM technology in the travel industry. By including eSIMs in
travel packages and partnering with companies like Hubby eSIM, travel operators
can significantly enhance their services, ensuring travelers stay connected and
informed.
Embracing eSIM technology is not just a
trend; it's a necessary evolution to meet the demands of modern travelers. Will
Hubby transform the industry and will eSIM be a core part of every package
holiday sold? Only time will tell.
Boris Bijlstra
Co-Founder
boris@hubbyesim.com
+32 456 644 811