Should Hotels Offer eSIMs as a Guest Perk?

B2B

In today’s increasingly digital and globalized travel landscape, the guest experience extends far beyond fresh linens and a friendly check-in. Travelers — whether they’re vacationing millennials, business professionals, or digital nomads — prioritize seamless, affordable, and secure internet access as a critical part of their stay. With international roaming fees still a major concern and hotel Wi-Fi often under scrutiny for speed and reliability, a powerful solution is rising: eSIM technology.

So the question is no longer if but when will hotels embrace offering eSIMs as a guest perk?

Let’s explore why eSIMs represent the next big guest experience differentiator, how they work, and why integrating them into hotel services is a win-win for both hospitality providers and guests.

What Is an eSIM and Why Does It Matter for Travelers?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of the traditional physical SIM card. It allows users to activate a cellular plan without needing to swap or insert a SIM card. By scanning a QR code or installing an app, travelers can instantly connect to a local network at local rates, bypassing expensive roaming fees and the hassle of hunting for a SIM shop upon arrival.

ZIM Connections, one of the leading travel eSIM providers, makes this even easier. Through their app, travelers can browse plans for over 200 destinations and activate them in a few simple steps. Their platform is designed for global nomads, leisure travelers, and business professionals who expect speed, reliability, and affordability.

Why Should Hotels Offer eSIMs?

Offering eSIMs as part of a guest experience package is not only smart hospitality — it’s a value-driven innovation. Here are the key reasons hotels should consider this offering:

1. Enhanced Guest Experience

Travelers are already overwhelmed by planning, flying, navigating new cultures, and adjusting time zones. One of the first things they want upon arrival? A fast, reliable internet connection.

By offering a ready-to-use eSIM — either as part of the booking process or handed over at check-in — hotels instantly meet this need and create a memorable first impression.

Rather than connecting to public Wi-Fi or incurring roaming fees, guests can use a ZIM eSIM for:

Streaming and social sharing
GPS navigation
Accessing local services
Managing travel apps like Uber, Google Translate, and TripAdvisor

2. Upsell and Cross-Sell Opportunities

Hotels can turn eSIMs into a new revenue stream by partnering with providers like ZIM Connections. Whether sold as a standalone item, included in premium packages, or offered through loyalty programs, hotels can upsell connectivity as part of a modern, tech-savvy travel experience.

You can even brand eSIM services under your hotel group with white-label eSIM solutions, creating deeper brand association with innovative digital services.

3. Attracting Business Travelers and Digital Nomads

As remote work becomes the norm and “workcations” rise, digital nomads and business travelers are more likely to choose hotels that cater to their tech and connectivity needs.

With the simple integration of an eSIM offer during booking or check-in, hotels signal that they understand the modern traveler’s priorities. This is particularly relevant for long-stay guests or professionals hopping between countries who rely on uninterrupted connectivity.

4. No Maintenance Costs or Hardware Required

Unlike routers or complex telecom partnerships, eSIMs are 100% digital. There’s no hardware to install or maintain. ZIM Connections provides hotels with everything they need — from a branded activation portal to onboarding guides and multilingual support — without disrupting your operations.

Activation is also a breeze. ZIM offers a complete video guide and QR installation tutorial that even the most tech-averse guests can follow.

5. Data Security and Guest Privacy

Unlike hotel Wi-Fi, which can raise security concerns for guests handling sensitive work data, eSIMs connect directly to encrypted mobile networks, offering a more secure and private browsing experience.

Hotels that offer eSIMs as an alternative to open networks can position themselves as privacy-forward and cyber-security aware — another big plus for business travelers.

How to Implement eSIMs at Your Hotel

If you’re wondering how to bring this idea to life, here’s a quick implementation roadmap:

1. Choose a Reliable eSIM Partner

Select an eSIM provider with:

Global coverage
Multilingual support
Easy integration tools
Affordable rates for guests
Branding and white-label capabilities

ZIM Connections ticks all the boxes and offers tailored hospitality solutions to integrate eSIM plans with your hotel packages or guest app.

2. Promote the eSIM Benefit Across Guest Touchpoints

Inform your guests before and during their stay. Use:

Booking confirmation emails: “Stay connected from the moment you land — ask us about our guest-exclusive eSIM plans!”
Front desk: Provide a quick flyer or offer a QR code for eSIM installation.
In-room tablets or info packs: Include the ZIM activation guide.
Wi-Fi landing page: Suggest eSIMs as a faster and more secure alternative to hotel Wi-Fi.

3. Train Front Desk and Concierge Staff

Ensure your team knows:

What an eSIM is
How it benefits the guest
Who can use it (see the list of compatible devices)
How to walk guests through installation, if needed

4. Bundle with Special Offers or Loyalty Programs

Why not make it a perk?

VIP guests get free eSIMs for their trip
Long-stay guests receive discounted plans
Loyalty members redeem points for data packages

The Business Case for Hotels: Revenue, Loyalty, and Differentiation

Revenue Potential

Hotels can earn a commission on each eSIM sold or bundle it into packages to increase perceived value. ZIM offers flexible business models, including direct sales, co-branded offers, and full white-label integrations.

Brand Differentiation

In a saturated hotel market, tech-forward perks can help your property stand out. eSIM offerings position your hotel as modern, traveler-friendly, and digitally fluent, especially for younger or tech-savvy travelers.

Stronger Guest Loyalty

Imagine this: a guest travels between cities or countries, and your hotel group offers seamless connectivity in each destination via eSIM. That kind of convenience breeds repeat bookings and brand advocacy.

Real-World Use Case

Let’s say your hotel welcomes 1,000 international guests per month. If even 15% choose to buy a $10 eSIM plan through your hotel, that’s $1,500 in extra monthly revenue. Scale that across a chain or group, and the numbers become game-changing — all with zero inventory or infrastructure cost.

eSIM vs. Traditional Travel SIM Cards

Feature	Traditional SIM Card	eSIM
Requires Physical Insertion	✅	❌ (digital activation)
Available Pre-Arrival	❌	✅ (activate before landing)
Easy to Switch Networks	❌	✅
Compatible with Dual SIM	Limited	✅
Eco-Friendly	❌ (plastic waste)	✅

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Future of Guest Connectivity

With eSIM technology transforming the way travelers connect abroad, the hospitality industry has an incredible opportunity to lead the change. Hotels that offer eSIMs stand to benefit from:

Happier guests
Increased revenue
A competitive edge in a digital-first world

Whether your hotel is boutique or part of an international chain, integrating eSIMs into your guest offering is not just smart — it’s the future of global hospitality.

Want to explore how your hotel can integrate eSIMs seamlessly and start offering next-gen connectivity to your guests?

👉 Partner with ZIM Connections today or download our app to try the experience yourself!

Bonus Resources