Chapter 1

Passport to connectivity

How Travel eSIMs are changing the game for global travel brands

Passport to connectivity

Introduction

A new era in travel connectivity

Picture a world where international travel seamlessly connects people across the globe, free from the worry of roaming fees or inconsistent service. This vision is now within reach, driven by the rise of Travel eSIM.

By 2030, international tourist numbers are projected to hit 1 billion annually, fueling a skyrocketing demand for seamless connectivity. Until now, travelers have relied on traditional roaming, enduring steep charges and missing out on the perks of their home networks—like competitive rates, fast data speeds, and reliable connections.

But things are changing fast. By 2028, nearly 4 billion smartphones will support eSIM technology, unlocking unprecedented freedom for travelers to connect anytime, anywhere, on their terms.

For travel companies, this isn’t just an evolution—it’s a revolution. Travel eSIM offers the chance to meet this demand head-on, enhancing the customer experience while leading the charge in a rapidly shifting market. eSIM is the future of travel connectivity, and early adopters are poised to reshape the landscape.

In this report, we dive into the driving forces behind travel eSIM adoption among online travel companies and explore the challenges they face in finding the ideal solution for both their business and their customers.

In this report, we dive into the driving forces behind travel eSIM adoption among online travel companies and explore the challenges they face in finding the ideal solution for both their business and their customers.

Methodology

Your questions answered

To find out more about the Travel SIM needs of online travel companies and their customers, BICS ran a survey of online travel companies.

  • We asked a variety of questions to understand the current landscape of interest in Travel eSIMs, to identify the challenges faced by online travel companies looking to offer them and to see what matters most to customers.

  • Read on to find out more.