How to Attract Digital Nomads to Your Hotel

The term digital nomads has been used for two decades. But it was the pandemic that truly institutionalised remote working. The world is constantly evolving, and more and more people are becoming digital nomads. Not because they are forced to, but because of the benefits that this working model now offers, and because many companies see significant value in it for managing their teams, broadening their geographical talent pool, retaining staff and, at the same time, substantially reducing costs. The rise of digital teams brings multiple benefits across different industries. Tourism is one of them. In particular, if properly understood, it can bring benefits to distinctive properties. Here are some useful tips that every hotel owner should consider in order to attract digital nomads.

HYGIENE AND SAFETY

One of the first steps every hotel must take is to comply with hygiene and safety protocols. Digital nomads may travel extensively, but that does not mean they are fearless. The first things they check before making a reservation are the hygiene standards and whether safety protocols are being followed at the hotel. They want to feel safe. This is why hotels should invest in the right technology and a "contactless" environment. But what exactly does this mean? Digital nomads will be able to:

• Check in online without any contact with the hotel reception
• If they need to communicate with reception, this can be done using smart devices and applications.
• In general, think and act as one of them would, in order to provide the experience they expect to enjoy.

In addition, ensuring compliance with protocols is of great importance. This is why mask-wearing, distancing and frequent surface disinfection rules must be observed.

A COMFORTABLE WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Keep in mind that digital nomads are not tourists, although they combine their professional activity with leisure and sports activities. Many digital nomads prefer to work from the comfort of their room. Therefore, it would be advisable to provide suitable space and equipment in the room to ensure a comfortable working environment. Specifically, the room should have:

• A modern workstation
• Adequate lighting
• Coffee maker and kettle
• Plenty of power outlets for charging devices, preferably with USB connections
• Sufficient work areas so that guests can change their setting without having to leave their room.

A COMFORTABLE WORKING ENVIRONMENT IN COMMON AREAS

Digital nomads work wherever they are. For this reason, they will choose a property that combines work and leisure. The property, in turn, will need to provide spaces where they can work and relax at the same time. How can this be achieved?

• By providing work surfaces
• Providing comfortable, varied seating, from chairs to armchairs
• Access to power outlets for charging devices such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones
• High-speed internet in all areas of the hotel

SPACES FOR ONLINE MEETINGS

Digital nomads are generally part of a team, unless they are self-employed, and will therefore need to communicate with the rest of the group through online meetings. You can attract digital nomads to your hotel property by setting up spaces for online meetings, in other words, videoconferencing. Such spaces can be a room with the appropriate equipment. If you wish, you can go one step further and create a fully equipped conference room suitable for a range of meetings.

OFFER AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

Digital nomads generally want an unforgettable experience. What can a hotel do about this? It can offer them a luxury service without this resulting in an unjustified increase in the price. Technology can become an ally in this effort by creating a digital experience for digital nomads that also delivers high added value to the hotel. For example, you can create personalised room keys available on each guest's mobile phone. In addition, all in-room functions can be controlled through a mobile app. Guests can install the app on their mobile phone and manage room functions from there.

REMOVING RESTRICTIONS

How can you make your hotel stand out from the crowd? There are several ways. One is to remove restrictions that other hotels may impose. Start by reviewing your pet policy. Many digital nomads travel with their pets. You should therefore adjust your pet policy and make stays easier for guests travelling with a pet. In addition, it would be advisable to create pet-friendly areas around the hotel so guests are not restricted. Such areas could include a walking space or even a pet play area. At the same time, they will be able to keep their beloved pets with them, as there is space for them at the hotel.

PRICING POLICY

It is important to bear in mind that you will need to adjust prices and restriction policies if you want to attract digital nomads. This does not mean you need to change your entire pricing policy. Some measures you can take include:

• Offer long-stay rates: Combining long-stay rates with a range of benefits and safety protocols encourages extended stays by digital nomads.
• Additional benefits: digital nomads seek adventure. This is why you can offer some additional benefits for a small fee. For example, organise short excursions or offer free or discounted meals at selected local restaurants.
• Offer business packages: digital nomads may be self-employed or employees. In the latter case, it is their employer who pays the bills. You can therefore approach the employer and offer special business package rates.

Remote working, it seems, is here to stay. It has already begun to become a trend. For hotels, this means it would be beneficial to take steps to attract digital nomads.