Digital Nomads can work from anywhere – they leverage technology to do their job from any location they wish. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were forced to work from home. As restrictions lifted, remote work remained an option and many people found themselves living the digital nomad lifestyle – still working from home, but able to work from a coffee shop, a park, or a vacation rental or hotel.
Vacation rentals have typically been marketed as escapes. I mean, “vacation” is in the name, right? But with the rise of remote work, owners and managers have started to think about marketing to those looking for a great place to work, as well as relax.
Asurion Finds Nine Out Of 10 Digital Nomads Say Unreliable Wi-Fi Can Ruin an Otherwise Good Vacation
Asurion
Great WiFi or Bust
It is vital that a vacation rental has excellent WiFi service. It’s important for any guest, but it’s doubly so for remote workers. If they can’t get on, they can’t do their work. If the connection isn’t fast enough for video calls, they can’t do their work. Most hotels already know this, but letting professionals manage the WiFi is a great step to ensure guests have the access and connection they need.
There should be WiFi throughout the space, including any outdoor spaces like decks and patios. If guests are there to work, they want to be able to take advantage of the entire space and enjoy the sun on the deck, or the shade of the porch on a really hot summer day. If the space is being marketed to remote workers, it should have excellent WiFi coverage. Using professional WiFi equipment is key to blanketing the space with secure, reliable WiFi.
Forget the View, Tech is the Most Important Vacation Rental Amenity
Asurion
Converting Spaces and Adding Amenities
For properties with multiple units and common areas, there are opportunities to market to remote workers and use spaces differently.
Lobby spaces can become lively areas that serve employees, digital nomads, and the greater community. Lobbies will no longer just be a space to pass through, as that is a costly missed opportunity for both building owners and the community at large.
Jeanne Wood
This could also mean converting spaces within a unit into a home office space. Maybe there is an empty space where a small IKEA desk will fit. Maybe there is an existing desk where a monitor and speakers can be added. Maybe there are spots where you can put wireless phone chargers or USB plugs. Or take it to the next level and add a ring light for video calls! Leaning into appealing to remote workers can pay dividends, especially since these people are more likely to post about their stay on social media and attract other remote workers.
Digital nomadism and remote work are here to stay. The tourism and hospitality industries stand to benefit greatly from this. Just make sure you’ve got your guests covered with great WiFi!
Written by: Matt Corkum, Digital Content Manager.