Zero-Rated Traffic on Gelendzhik Airport Website: A Game-Changer for Tourism and Connectivity
The airport locale is open to public use by all inhabitants
In a move to enhance digital engagement and promote tourism, telecom giant Megafon has introduced zero-rated access to the Gelendzhik Airport website, effective from August 1st. This initiative aims to help passengers focus on their journey during their transit, while ensuring they have easy access to essential airport information without worrying about data consumption.
Impact on Visitor Numbers to the Airport Website
Since the implementation of this zero-rating policy, the portal, gelaero.ru, has experienced a significant increase in traffic. In fact, visitation has tripled compared to average figures from previous years, suggesting a high level of interest in airport services and information among Megafon subscribers. Post-implementation statistics often show spikes in mobile traffic, longer session durations, and higher repeat visit rates.
Influence on Tourist Demographics
This accessibility initiative may attract a broader demographic of tourists, including budget-conscious travelers who rely heavily on mobile data. The majority of visitors to the gelaero.ru website are aged between 35-44 (38%) and 25-34 (23.5%). Men constitute over 65% of the total internet traffic on the website, according to Megafon's analytics.
Network and Infrastructure Improvements by Megafon
To support the increased traffic, Megafon has upgraded its telecom network in Gelendzhik for the tourist season. This ensures mobile internet speeds of up to 150 Mbps within the airport and 100 Mbps throughout the city. The initiative often comes with investments in 4G/5G coverage to ensure seamless browsing for users.
Broader Economic and Social Benefits
The increase in visitor numbers can lead to economic uplift for the region, benefitting local businesses. This initiative may also encourage more residents and tourists to engage with digital platforms, thus improving digital literacy. Gelendzhik Airport potentially establishes itself as a tech-forward hub prioritizing traveler convenience.
The city of Gelendzhik has welcomed nearly a million visitors since January, marking a 7.4% increase compared to the same period last year. In addition to residents of southern regions, flights to Gelendzhik are also viewed by tourists from Moscow, Kaliningrad, Vladivostok, Smolensk, St. Petersburg, Samara, and Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug.
This initiative is particularly relevant during the peak tourist season. Traffic on gelaero.ru will be automatically zero-rated for all Russian-based clients with a positive account balance. The airport's resumption of operations in July, following a hiatus, marked a significant event for the city and its tourism industry. The peak in activity on gelaero.ru occurred on July 9th, following the airport's official restart announcement.
Visitors to the Gelendzhik Airport website, gelaero.ru, have shown a heightened interest in finance-related matters, as they secure flight bookings, check airport fees, and manage their travel budgets. Moreover, the zero-rated access initiative has facilitated increased engagement with lifestyle content, such as tourist attractions, dining recommendations, and travel tips, catering to a broader demographic of budget-conscious travelers. With higher data accessibility, technology adoption has risen, particularly 4G/5G coverage, enhancing a tech-forward image for the airport and the city of Gelendzhik.
