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The global travel eSIM market is projected to reach US$3.08 billion by 2032, driven by rising international travel, smartphone adoption, and demand for seamless connectivity, with industry players expanding coverage and services to meet traveller needs.
According to DataM Intelligence, the travel eSIM market, valued at US$1.46 billion in 2024, is forecast to reach US$3.08 billion by 2032, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of about 9.8% between 2025 and 2032. [1][2][5]
The research firm attributes that growth to rising international travel, higher smartphone penetration and traveller demand for seamless, instant connectivity that removes the need for physical SIM cards. Industry moves to expand global coverage and simpler user access are cited as key commercial drivers. [1][2]
Global mobility trends provide a clear tailwind: the UN World Tourism Organization reports international tourism almost fully recovered in 2024 with about 1.4 billion arrivals, a 99% rebound versus pre‑pandemic levels and an 11% increase on 2023, while US arrivals reached roughly 72.4 million (about 91% of 2019). Those tourism gains underpin stronger cross‑border data usage and roaming demand. [3][4][6][7]
Providers and carriers are responding with broader plans and platforms. DataM Intelligence highlights examples such as SimCorner’s upgraded unlimited Europe eSIMs and Vodafone’s travel eSIM platform, which extend coverage across dozens to hundreds of countries and target tourists, digital nomads and business travellers. These product launches are presented as evidence of commercial strategies accelerating adoption. [1][2]
Consumer research and surveys referenced in the report show rising interest but mixed awareness: a BICS survey noted that while a majority see eSIMs as a cost‑saving alternative, a substantial share of consumers remain unfamiliar with eSIM capability or unsure if their devices support it, signalling both opportunity and an education challenge for the sector. [1]
Regulatory and sustainability considerations are also shaping the market. Regulators in North America have signalled support for competition and digital services, and eSIMs are promoted as a more sustainable alternative to plastic SIM cards; together these forces are cited as encouraging broader commercial and enterprise uptake. [1]
Looking ahead, the report anticipates eSIMs becoming the default traveller connectivity option by 2032, with further integration into airline and OTA ticketing, AI‑driven personalised data plans, multi‑destination passes and expanded use in wearables and IoT travel devices, trends DataM Intelligence says will reposition eSIMs from niche offering to standard travel infrastructure. [1]
📌 Reference Map:
Reference Map:
- [1] (PR Newswire / DataM Intelligence) – Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 4, Paragraph 5, Paragraph 6, Paragraph 7
- [2] (PR Newswire summary) – Paragraph 1, Paragraph 2, Paragraph 4
- [3] (UNWTO) – Paragraph 3
- [4] (U.S. Department of Commerce / ITA) – Paragraph 3
- [5] (Travel and Tour World) – Paragraph 1
- [6] (Hotel Online) – Paragraph 3
- [7] (UNWTO duplicate) – Paragraph 3
Source: Fuse Wire Services
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