Client: Leading Mid-Sized Online Travel Platform (Name Confidential)
Industry: Travel and Tourism
Region Focus: Europe and Asia
Service Used: CELITECH White-Label eSIM and API Integration
Background
A mid-sized online travel platform had a loyal customer base and strong booking volume but faced two major challenges:
- Low post-booking engagement: Only 15 percent of travelers returned within six months for repeat bookings
- Minimal ancillary revenue: Existing add-ons like travel insurance or airport transfers contributed less than 5 percent of total revenue, leaving untapped monetization potential
Customer research revealed a common pain point. International travelers struggled with mobile connectivity. Roaming fees were expensive, local SIM cards were hard to get, and customers experienced anxiety before arriving at their destinations.
The platform wanted to solve this problem without creating operational overhead or logistical complexity.
Objective
- Increase post-booking engagement and customer retention
- Introduce a profitable ancillary revenue stream
- Deliver a seamless, branded connectivity experience for international travelers
Solution
The travel platform integrated CELITECH’s white-label eSIM solution and API into its booking and post-booking experience. Key features included:
- One-click eSIM activation during checkout and in confirmation emails
- Destination-specific data bundles matched to customer itineraries
- White-label branding to ensure the eSIM felt like a native service
- Automated pre-trip notifications for activation or top-ups 48 hours before travel
- API-driven backend for easy monitoring and management
Implementation
- Integration (2 weeks): CELITECH’s API was implemented across web and mobile platforms. Customers could select eSIM bundles with a single click at checkout
- Pilot Launch (1 month): Targeted high-frequency travelers in Europe and Asia, collecting early adoption data and feedback
- Full Rollout (Ongoing): Expanded eSIM offerings to all international bookings, introducing dynamic bundles based on trip duration and destination
Results (6-Month Performance)
- eSIM Adoption Rate: 0 percent before CELITECH, 22 percent of international travelers after integration
- Post-Booking Engagement: 15 percent rebooked in six months before, 28 percent after
- Ancillary Revenue Contribution: 4 percent of total revenue before, 9 percent after
- App Re-Open Rate Post-Trip: 18 percent before, 45 percent after
- Customer Satisfaction Score: 76 before, 88 after
Key Insights
- Travelers valued convenience and peace of mind, making the eSIM a must-have for international trips
- Revenue from connectivity quickly became the most profitable add-on, with low delivery costs
- Engagement increased because customers actively used the app to manage their data during trips
- The platform strengthened its position as a full-service travel partner rather than just a booking tool
Key Takeaways
- Connectivity drives monetization: Travelers will pay for hassle-free access abroad
- Seamless integration matters: Embedding eSIMs into the booking journey maximizes adoption
- Operational efficiency is critical: CELITECH’s API allowed the platform to scale without increasing staff or logistics costs
- Enhanced experience drives loyalty: Solving a real travel pain point significantly improved retention and repeat bookings
Conclusion
By embedding CELITECH’s white-label eSIM, the travel platform transformed connectivity from a background utility into a revenue-generating differentiator. The platform now not only ensures travelers stay connected but also gains a predictable ancillary revenue stream, improved customer loyalty, and higher engagement, all without complex operations.
