In a context of strong recovery of international travel[1] , access to mobile Internet abroad is now an essential service that tourism professionals can offer their customers, thanks to the Ubigi eSIM partner offer. With an average connectivity budget of 33 £ per traveler[2] when traveling abroad, the resale of international mobile eSIM packages represents a new commercial opportunity and a competitive advantage for airlines and tour operators wishing to retain their business and leisure customers by offering them a turnkey connectivity solution while roaming charges are again applied by British mobile operators.
eSIM, the answer to the new connectivity needs of British travelers
Following Brexit, UK mobile networks providers have now reactivated roaming charges in the European Union for their subscribers. To avoid additional costs abroad, including Europe, UK travelers can now look to eSIM data plans to save money.
The eSIM (or virtual SIM card) allows travelers to activate a mobile data plan instantly, remotely (with a QR code or via an application), without having to change their physical SIM card. They can still be reached on their usual number (calls/SMS) while benefiting from rapid and immediate access to the Internet as soon as they get off the plane at any airport in the world.
This new technology is integrated into many smartphones, tablets and computers and constitutes a simple, secure and economical alternative to the solutions that have existed until now to connect to the mobile Internet from abroad.
Purchasing a local SIM card does not allow you to be contacted on your own number and is no longer suited to travelers’ expectations. When possible with your operator, roaming is an expensive service with sometimes exorbitant prices depending on the geographical area. “In some destinations, we have found that eSIM solutions can save up to 90% compared to the roaming offers provided by traditional operators. eSIM is therefore the ideal solution to stay connected abroad without breaking the bank“, says Marie-Julie Le Guen, Marketing Director at Transatel. Based on cellular technology, eSIM also offers much more reliable connectivity than public Wi-Fi networks, which are rarely available and, above all, not very secure.
Ubigi, partner of travel professionals
With summer just weeks away, the resurgence in international travel is gaining momentum as Covid restrictions end. With the gradual return of business travel and the attraction of long-distance travel destinations, the need to stay connected abroad is again an often-vital concern for international travelers who wish to be able to geolocate themselves, access their email, share their experiences on social networks, or continue to work remotely, a trend increasingly popular.
To meet these new requirements, tourism professionals can now offer their customers the resale of international mobile eSIM plans via Ubigi’s partner offers. “Connectivity is a real lever for innovation and customer loyalty. Available as a white label and easy to integrate into the digital purchasing journey, our Ubigi eSIM solution allows tour operators to differentiate themselves, while creating new opportunities Air France and JAL Satellite Travel have already trusted us to provide connectivity for their passengers,” adds Marie-Julie Le Guen.
Ubigi allows travelers to stay connected in more than 190 destinations on 5 continents. New destinations open every month.
By becoming distributors or resellers of Ubigi’s eSIM offers, tour operators, travel agencies and airlines provide their business and leisure customers with secure Internet access in more than 190 destinations, at very competitive prices. Travelers can save a lot of money when traveling abroad by benefiting from rates close to the local price, without roaming charges, thanks to agreements negotiated by Ubigi with hundreds of mobile operators around the world.
[1] Source IATA May 2022 https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/2022-releases/2022-05-04-01/
[2] Average amount spent (including VAT) by British people wishing to stay connected abroad in 2021 (pandemic year) with an Ubigi eSIM.