Digital Nomads or Digital Tourists?

25 Sep 2023

The pandemic introduced a fresh abbreviation into our daily lives: WFH, or Working From Home. This became the norm for a wide array of knowledge-based and IT activities, extending its influence across diverse industries and sectors. For companies initially harboring concerns about the efficacy of remote work, the scenario underwent a transformation: according to a McKinsey report, 58% of senior executives observed heightened productivity among staff engaged in Working From Home. However, a novel concept has now emerged: the advent of Working From Anywhere.

Digital Nomads: A Generation Born with Tech. 
The notion of working from any location is a logical progression of WFH, pioneered notably by the global Digital Natives. These are individuals who have grown up amidst the era of information technology, with the internet seamlessly integrated into their lives and smartphones perpetually at hand. It swiftly became apparent to these Digital Natives that in an interconnected world, confining work to a single place was unnecessary. This realization gave rise to the phenomenon of Digital Nomads, individuals who blend travel and work as part of their lifestyle.

The Fusion of Business and Leisure: Bleisure, a Prominent 2023 Travel Trend. 
The convergence of businessand leisure, termed Bleisure, has emerged as a rapidly growing trend in 2023, now acknowledged by numerous major corporations. If the practice of WFH proved advantageous to both employers and employees, the potential for success in Working From Anywhere is equally promising. An Upwork report predicts an 87% increase in remote workers in the USA alone compared to pre-pandemic levels. Globally, a staggering 4.8 million independent workers have already adopted the Digital Nomad lifestyle. Moreover, the report estimates a future influx of 17 million individuals aspiring to become Digital Nomads, with some predictions envisioning a remarkable one billion by 2035.

Embracing the Concept: Why Settle for Less? 
Envision yourself as a Digital Nomad : Imagine your employer or primary client is situated in Paris. Previously, you might have undertaken leisure trips to destinations like Amsterdam over weekends. However, is it really logical to rush back to Paris when the same remote work can be executed just as effectively from Holland? If work is no longer bound by location, then why should you be?

Embracing the true essence of the nomadic lifestyle could potentially herald the end of conventional apartment rentals or mortgages and bid farewell to chilly winters. Why endure the cold of the northern hemisphere in winter when you could bask in the warmth of the southern regions? Becoming part of the ever-expanding community of Digital Nomads opens up a realm of possibilities.

Diverse Avenues for Digital Nomad Careers 
What constitutes a Digital Nomad occupation? Numerous examples from the IT and Creative Industries come to mind, including copywriters and editors. However, virtually any profession that can be conducted online with the aid of laptops holds the potential for nomadic adaptation: fields such as Accountancy, Insurance, Teaching, Engineering, and even Medical consultations. Importantly, these professionals need not be confined to the geographical boundaries of their clients.

Bleisure and the Hospitality Sector 
How can the hotel and hospitality industry accommodate the burgeoning Bleisure trend? The foremost requirement for all Digital Nomads is a robust and stable internet connection. Establishments with subpar internet facilities will inevitably fall short of a Digital Nomad’s expectations.

Contrary to the perception that Digital Nomads work in isolation within their rooms, the reality is different. Such an arrangement could be rather solitary. Instead, a growing number of hotels and apartments are now offering communal spaces available to guests either on a daily or hourly basis. This allows Digital Nomads to interact and collaborate in a comfortable co-working environment, complete with readily available refreshments.

Given the digital inclinations of Digital Nomads, their transactions—including location searches and bookings—are predominantly conducted online, often through Online Travel Agents (OTAs). Establishments seamlessly integrated with OTAs attract higher visibility. The digital experience extends to billing and payments, aided by mobile apps that offer extras such as Guest Advisor tools providing recommendations for local attractions and activities. The entire check-in and check-out process has transitioned to the digital sphere, even encompassing keyless room access. The pandemic propelled the rise of Working From Anywhere, challenging established norms within the hospitality sector.

While conventional leisure stays tend to be brief, the Bleisure trend brings about a shift. Once a Digital Nomad discovers a suitable base, they are likely to establish longer stays. This phenomenon has given birth to a new trend: countries catering to Digital Nomads and offering specialized visas for extended work periods.

As discussed in our recap of 2022, the travel and tourism industry faced severe setbacks due to the pandemic. With the sharp decline in leisure travelers during this period, many countries—over 50 and counting—have recognized the potential of issuing Digital Nomad visas to attract a new and affluent demographic. Favorable countries for Digital Nomads include Portugal, Estonia, Malta, Indonesia (particularly Bali), and Mexico, each competing to provide the most welcoming environments for these modern wanderers.