By Francis Allan Angelo

In an unprecedented move, a group of leading telecommunications companies, including Singtel, AIS, Globe, HKT, Optus, Taiwan Mobile, and Telkomsel, have announced the formation of an Alliance that is set to revolutionize the travel experience for their customers through a novel cross-border rewards program.

This initiative is slated to commence in the second half of 2024.

The program promises to offer an array of perks such as redeemable deals for transport, dining, shopping, and various services to eligible customers traveling to Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Australia, Taiwan, or Indonesia.

In an innovative twist, these benefits can be conveniently accessed and redeemed via individual telco apps while traveling.

Ms Anna Yip, Chief Executive Officer of Business Development at Singtel, highlighted the company’s commitment to enhancing customer travel experiences and expanding the program globally. She emphasized the strategic move to leverage the loyalty of customers and bolster Singapore’s reputation as a premier tourist destination.

“We’re starting with our regional partners but plan to expand this programme to cover key travel corridors and popular destinations globally so our customers will have an even wider array of opportunities and new experiences to enjoy when they’re abroad.”

Mr Pratthana Leelapanang from AIS echoed this sentiment, marking the collaboration as a major global milestone. He outlined the shared goal of elevating customer care across borders and fostering tourism through exceptional experiences.

” This sets a new standard in the telecommunications industry, aiming to enhance the ultimate experience and exclusive privileges for AIS customers when travelling and using services from partner networks in six destinations. Likewise, customers of these partner networks, when traveling to Thailand, and choosing AIS services, will receive special privileges prepared by AIS, akin to being AIS customers.”

Globe’s Mr Darius Delgado expressed excitement about offering subscribers unique cross-border perks and adventures, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to deepen customer relationships.

“As a brand focused on providing unique experiences as our differentiator and having a deeper relationship with our subscribers, we are excited to partner with other leading telcos in the region through this Rewards Alliance to elevate the travel experience of our subscribers well beyond just connectivity. Through this program, we will be able to give cross-border perks, experiences and exclusive offers to our subscribers when they travel to partner destinations. With this, we can ensure that when yuppies travel with GOMO PH, they are in for an adventure of a lifetime!”

Ms Monita Leung from HKT pointed to the synergy between HKT’s diverse business and the loyalty platform, The Club, in extending a wide range of privileges to Alliance travelers visiting Hong Kong.

“Through this collaboration, we are delighted to extend these privileges to travellers from the Alliance visiting Hong Kong, enriching their local travel experiences.  Moreover, HKT customers can relish the convenience of a seamless journey and take advantage of enticing cross-border special offers when travelling to markets within the Alliance.”

Optus’s Mr Matt Williams conveyed the company’s enthusiasm to be part of the pioneering programme, acknowledging Australians’ passion for travel and the anticipated reciprocal benefits for visitors to Australia.

“We know that Australians love to travel abroad, and that people love to travel to Australia – with over 35 million travellers to and from Australia each year. This program is an innovative way for us to deliver compelling experiences within our partner alliance spanning six other destinations, demonstrating the power of being part of the Singtel Group.”

Taiwan Mobile’s Mr Tony Lin envisioned a new level of travel convenience, introducing a ‘Taiwan Delights Pavilion’ for redeeming points for authentic Taiwanese products, thereby enhancing the travel retail experience.

“Imagine browsing authentic Taiwanese souvenirs while waiting for your flight, and paying for all your purchases using your loyalty points! That’s the exciting innovation we’re bringing to travelers through the Telco Rewards Alliance. In partnership with renowned online retailers and trusted travel agencies, we’re creating a curated ‘Taiwan Delights Pavilion’ where you can redeem points for unique local finds, from hand-crafted teas to exquisite tech gadgets. Over ten million travelers across the Alliance’s participating telco networks can seamlessly access local data plans, convenient airport transfers, and unforgettable experiences, all within a few taps on your phone. This initiative will revolutionize travel convenience and customization for our customers. Join us and discover the magic of Taiwan, one delightful reward at a time!”

Lastly, Mr Derrick Heng from Telkomsel highlighted the surge in Indonesian youth traveling abroad and the program’s potential to deliver superior benefits, reflecting the brand’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.

“In the wake of the pandemic, there has been a notable surge in the number of Indonesian youths venturing abroad, encouraged by reduced airfares and more lenient visa policies. Reflecting Telkomsel’s steadfast dedication to pioneering innovations and surpassing customer expectations, we are proud to introduce the world’s first cross-border telco rewards programme. This pioneering initiative aims to enrich the international travel experience, offering them superior benefits and the opportunity to immerse themselves in unique local experiences just like a local. Additionally, we anticipate that this programme will deliver added value to the subscribers of our telco partners, as well as Telkomsel and by.U, by complementing the competitive pricing and seamless network experience synonymous with our all-digital telco brand designed specifically for the youth demographic.”

The Alliance’s programme, bolstered by GOMO PH’s extensive roaming services, is set to provide a seamless travel experience, positioning the brands as frontrunners in customer-centric innovations in the telecommunications sector. This initiative is poised to redefine the landscape of telco customer loyalty by integrating travel and telecommunications in an unprecedented alliance.