eSIM for Travel Market
After two years of restrictions, international holidaymakers show strong enthusiasm to travel this summer. 72% of Europeans feel “really excited to travel” or “happy to travel” this year. Austrians, Swiss, and Spaniards are the ones who show the most excitement (around 4 out of 10 say they are even very excited). Find out more about travel eSIM solutions and cost reductions below.
Holidaymakers spent more money in the summer of 2022: they report a higher travel budget this year than they did in 2021, with average levels increasing by around +20%, Europ Assistance reports. This remains lower than pre-pandemic levels.
This leads to a return to a number of pre-Covid travel habits, such as:
The appeal of travel abroad increasing significantly: 48% (+13pts) of Europeans, 36% (+11pts) of Americans and 56% (+7pts) of Thais intend to travel abroad this summer. Nevertheless, domestic travel remains at a higher level than 2019 in almost all countries.
City adventures are popular again: they appear as the most popular type of destination for North Americans. o Hotels continue to be the preferred choice for accommodation (52% of holidaymakers in US, 46% / +9pts in Europe) while vacation rentals remain attractive (30% in Europe, 20% in USA).
Air travel is back: Europeans will use their car less than last year (55%, -9pts) and favor air travel (33%, +11pts). Same goes for Americans, in more balanced proportions (48%, -7pts vs 43%, +5pts).
People are back to planning a vacation ahead of time, rather than leaving it till the last minute: only 22% of Europeans have not yet decided on their destination (-10pts vs last year).
In the context of the strong recovery of international travel, access to mobile Internet abroad is now an essential service that tourism professionals and their customers must have.
With an average connectivity budget of 43 euros per traveler when traveling abroad, finding a roaming partner for international mobile eSIM packages, connectivity solutions, and reducing costs represents a new turnkey.
The global eSIM for travel market was valued at USD 1100.0 million in 2021 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.79% during the forecast period, reaching USD 1927.0 million by 2027.
eSIM, the answer to the new connectivity needs of travelers
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 or 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.
Here are some indicative prepaid eSIM card prices:
