Digital nomads and the next revenue leap

There's a segment that many hotels still see as a "niche" or "special" case, when in reality it already accounts for a significant share of demand in many destinations: digital nomads.

Why they're no longer a niche

A digital nomad isn't the stereotype of the freelancer with a backpack working from a beach. It's a professional —often with a solid income— who can work from anywhere and chooses where to live for weeks or months at a time.

What this means for a hotel:

• Long stays: 2-4 weeks or more, versus the 2-3 nights of the traditional tourist.
• Recurring spend: breakfast every day, restaurant, laundry, add-on services.
• Low acquisition cost: once they're in, they stay. You don't need to win them back every night.

What the digital nomad is looking for

They're not looking for the same thing as a tourist. They want:

• Reliable connectivity (this is non-negotiable)
• A comfortable space to work
• Flexible scheduling (late check-in, extended breakfast)
• Community: meeting other people in a similar situation
• Authentic local experiences, not the standard tourist tour

Reference case: Selina

Selina built an entire business model around this segment: lodging + coworking + community activities. You don't have to go that far, but there's a lot to learn from the concept.

How to get started

1. Analyze your current mix: do you have long stays? Who's generating them?
2. Review your product: can the wifi handle a high-definition video call? Is there a space to work?
3. Design specific packages: monthly or weekly rate, what's included, what benefits they offer vs. the daily rate.
4. Rethink your messaging: does your website mention these options? Does your Instagram show that it's also a place where you can work?
5. Measure the impact: compare the total revenue from one long stay vs. the same number of nights with rotating guests.

— Gonzalo Rioja