Digital Nomads - New Trend or Established Business

Taking "Work from Home (WFH)" to "Work while Travel" towards "Living and Working in a Hotel"?

Self-employed individuals, freelancers, and employees that work remote while travelling overseas or domestic, are labeled as “Digital Nomads”. Their main source of income is generated through their online contribution and e-meetings with colleagues and clients.

A recent survey in July 2022 concluded that Spain, Thailand, Italy, and Colombia are four most popular and affordable countries for Digital Nomads. They grant digital nomad visas and living costs are fairly low while internet connectivity is above average.

Here you have a list of countries that aim at Digital Nomads including visa requirements, average living costs, how to declare taxes, etc.: https://nomadgirl.co/countries-with-digital-nomad-visas/

Are Digital Nomads the same than Remote Workers?

Digital Nomads are remote workers; however the main difference is that the "classic" Remote Worker conducts their business activity from their permanent residence. This could be overseas or in their home country, whereas for digital nomads the travel component is equally important.

The shift to a larger number of Remote or Teleworkers has been accelerated by lockdown and quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19, however for many global companies and businesses this has been part of their long term strategy – moving certain working hours or tasks to remote to reduce operation costs and reduce their carbon footprint.

How do hotels cater to Digital Nomads?

Digital Nomads have a different set of guest needs that need to be considered, e.g.:

• Reliable high speed internet connection throughout the property (wireless and via network cable connection)

• Attractive in-room dining options

• Quieter work areas, outside of their guest room, for example lobby, social club, etc.

• Co-working spaces

Want to find out more on how some hotels attract Digital Nomads, check out the link below:

https://bit.ly/3DQ5SVx

Digital Nomads - Growning Online Community

Platforms like “Digital Nomads World” (https://digitalnomads.world) help to amplify the remote working environment and offer a support system. You have access to discounted hotel rates as well as travel and insurance packages and much more.

“Nomad List” (https://nomadlist.com/) is also an interesting webpage that showcases locations ranked by the community users. Based on the score a location gets in various categories, the destination is more or less suitable for a digital nomad to be based at.

Members of the same location have the opportunity to network and meet up, wither physically or online.

Currently Lisbon, Portugal is the highest ranked city among Digital Nomads.

What are your thoughts about Digital Nomads? Are they a niche market or an established business segment? Leave us a comment below.