By Azer N. Parrocha
MANILA, Aug. 14 (PNA) — Backpackers who travel local destinations via tour operator Travel Factor will soon be powered with free Smart Bro Wi-Fi connection.
This was after telco giant Smart Communications and Travel Factor on Friday announced a partnership to provide a new service that will allow travelers to keep “connected online while exploring the country’s popular destinations.”
Put up by a group of travel enthusiasts in 2006, Travel Factor is one of the major adventure tour operators in the country, offering Filipinos a wide range of activities in more than 80 destinations here and abroad – from surfing, diving, biking and food tripping, among others.
Travel Factor managing partner Cedric Valera, in a press conference, said that the offer was timely since more and more Filipinos want to travel and naturally post photos of their travels on social media.
“Tourism is on the rise, flights are cheaper, income is higher, and the internet makes everything easier,” Valera said, referring to different reasons why domestic travel was gaining popularity, especially among young professionals.
He pointed out that because yuppies were now open to the idea of traveling alone, it made sense to maintain an online connection with family and friends to keep them updated.
“Happiness is only real when shared,” he added, quoting a line from the American film, Into the Wild. “Even if you travel alone, it gives you happiness to share what you see and experience.”
Smart Data and International Services First Vice President Michele Curran for her part expressed excitement in teaming up with Travel Factor to provide the most reliable high-speed connections and nationwide coverage.
“Smart Bro is the perfect travel companion to serve all your connectivity needs and enable you to live the Smart Life – with access to useful and meaningful mobile innovations and services on the go,” Curran said.
“That’s why we are thrilled to team up with Travel Factor and allow travelers to experience the Smart Life firsthand,” she added.
Aside from free Wi-Fi, both companies also announced a line-up of local tours that offer 20 percent discount to owners of Smart Bro Prepaid 4G or LTE Pocket WiFi called #SmartBro Trips.
Smart Bro Trips include journeys to the enchanting landscapes of Sagada in the Mountain Province; top surfing spots like Baler in Aurora and San Juan in La Union; the historic sites of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur; and the breathtaking trek to Mt. Pulag – Luzon’s highest peak – located in Benguet.
As an added perk, all #SmartBro Trip participants will be given a free kit filled with travel must-haves as well as get a chance to win a brand new Smart Bro Pocket WiFi.
This partnership is part of Smart Bro’s commitment to help boost the experience of travelers and at the same time, support tourism in the country. (PNA)