The Rise of “Work from Anywhere”

Over the last year, the world has seen numerous changes in the way our workforce operates. Some companies have even transitioned their work-from-home initiatives into full-time opportunities, affording thousands of workers more time to spend at home with their loved ones and improving productivity.

With more and more employees working from home permanently, another interesting opportunity opened up: the chance to work from anywhere. As a result, employees may be looking into becoming a digital nomad.

What is a Digital Nomad?

Digital nomads are working professionals with no fixed address – they hop from place to place in search of good Wi-Fi, short rental periods, and a good cup of coffee to get their work done. Not all digital nomads share one occupation, either. They can be in creative fields such as copywriting or graphic design, or have technical jobs like programming. As long as the work can be completed remotely, the type of career doesn’t matter for a digital nomad.

It is a travel-focused lifestyle, and with vaccines on the way to millions of Americans, the idea of becoming a digital nomad may become more and more appealing. In fact, Amadeus predicts that 2021 will see a rise in digital nomads starting their journey. Having the opportunity to change their location every 1-3 months can spark fresh inspiration for those suffering from a bad case of cabin fever.

Advertising “Work from Hotel” to Guests

As more employees consider making the switch to being digital nomads, you may wonder how you and your hotel fit into the equation. With no fixed address, these workers will need a place to call their home for a while. So, why not your hotel? It will be even easier to attract new digital nomads if your hotel is positioned near a unique landmark, or in an area rich with culture.

Part of a digital nomad’s motivation for travel is to experience as many different cultures around the world as possible. This means the content that will attract this type of traveler will be focused around your local area.

In addition to digital nomads, you may be able to capture the attention of travelers seeking a more brief escape: those too hesitant to make travel a large part of their working lifestyle, but eager enough to leave home for a few days.

Whether your goal is to invite aspiring digital nomads or employees seeking a shorter weekday trip, there are key elements that will help travelers feel like your hotel can be their home away from home.

Ways to Attract Digital Nomads

Above all else, you’ll need a strong Wi-Fi connection to ensure employees can do their work effectively while they’re at your property. Experiencing a new area or culture is an exciting part of hopping from place to place, but at the end of the day, these travelers are employees just like any other. For digital nomads who need fast upload speeds for VOIP and conferencing, an ethernet connection may also be an essential feature of your hotel workspace. A connection, for many, is the most important thing when determining who to book with.

There are other ways you can help your hotel stand out from the rest when it comes to attracting digital nomads. Having comfortable in-room furniture, like a longer office desk or extra-comfortable desk chair, can be just one of many tipping points for digital nomads. Partnerships with local businesses (especially if they’re coffee shops) can help guests feel assured that they’ll be able to get good, local fare while they stay with you. Ensure your front desk staff makes it easy for food delivery or shipping services to accommodate your long-term guests. 

Additionally, incorporating an extended stay deal for travelers seeking temporary residence in your area is a major plus. If your property isn’t already geared toward extended-stay travelers, you can expect to accommodate a digital nomad for far longer than your average guest. Ensuring that your cleaning procedures are clear-cut for these visitors is also crucial, as they’ll measure it against other properties to determine their safety.

Becoming a digital nomad is not a new trend – but with new affordances of businesses worldwide, there may be a rise in this type of working traveler trotting across the globe. They crave unique experiences, and marketing your hotel as one they won’t want to miss will help encourage digital nomads to start booking with you. Travel Media Group offers a social media program that will help you target your marketing to specific audiences, earning you the bookings that best align with your hotel experience. Contact us for more information on how we can help sharpen your marketing strategy.