The Rise of Digital Nomads

In recent years, the rise of digital nomads has significantly impacted the travel and tourism industry. Digital nomads—individuals who leverage technology to work remotely while traveling—are finding a new way of life in balancing work and travel. With the ability to earn an income from anywhere in the world, they are not only influencing where people travel but also how they engage with the local economies and tourism infrastructures. This piece explores the digital nomad trend through three layers of reporting: industry-wide data, insights from a travel industry professional, and consumer preferences.

Industry-Wide Trends and Statistics

The digital nomad movement has grown exponentially in the past decade. According to a report by MBO Partners, the number of digital nomads in the U.S. grew from 7.3 million in 2019 to 10.9 million in 2020, and the trend continues to rise globally. Nomad List—a popular platform for remote workers—reports that over 10,000 people are currently living and working remotely in popular destinations such as Bali, Indonesia, Lisbon, Portugal, and Mexico City, Mexico. This surge is driven by advancements in technology, a rise in remote work opportunities, and the increasing appeal of a flexible, location-independent lifestyle.

Several governments have responded to this trend by introducing digital nomad visa programs, which cater specifically to remote workers looking to live and work legally in a foreign country for an extended period. Countries like South Korea, Georgia, and Barbados have rolled out special visas allowing digital nomads to reside in their countries for up to a year or more, with the option of extending their stay. These programs are designed to attract skilled remote workers and foster international economic growth.

The International Labour Organization has projected that by 2035, digital nomads will account for 1 billion people globally, with remote work becoming the most popular form of employment worldwide. This rapid growth will reshape the global tourism industry, as more cities and countries adjust to accommodate this mobile workforce.

Insight from a Co-Working Space

To gain a better understanding of how the travel industry is adapting to the digital nomad trend, I spoke with Jin Park, operator at the WeWork, a popular co-working space located in Seoul, South Korea. WeWork has recently become a key player in the growing digital nomad movement following South Korea's introduction of a digital nomad visa in 2024. According to Jin, the demand for remote workspaces has surged since the visa program’s launch.

“South Korea is a dynamic and tech-forward country, and the new digital nomad visa has made it even more attractive for remote workers,” Jin explained. Jin also noted the appeal of Seoul for digital nomads. “Seoul offers a mix of modern amenities, high-speed internet, and an incredibly vibrant cultural scene. Our co-working space is located in Gangnam, close to cafes, restaurants, and popular tourist attractions.

In terms of advertising, Jin said, “We promote our space through online channels like social media platforms and partnerships with local government initiatives. Seoul has become a key destination for remote workers, and we’ve seen people from all over the world, especially from the U.S., Europe, and Southeast Asia.”

Jin shared that most digital nomads at WeWork tend to stay for an average of three to six months, although longer stays are becoming more common. “It’s exciting to see how the influx of remote workers is helping build a diverse international community here.”

Consumer Insights

To further understand the consumer side of the digital nomad movement, I spoke with Chloe Lee, a digital nomad who has spent the past year working remotely from various locations in Italy, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Chloe, a freelance graphic designer, decided to become a digital nomad to combine her love for travel with her career.

“I’ve always been drawn to different cultures, and remote work has given me the freedom to explore them without taking time off from work,” Chloe explained. She started her digital nomad journey in Italy, where she was working with clients on design projects. After a few months in Italy, she moved on to Southeast Asia, visiting Thailand and Vietnam, and then continued her travels through Portugal.

Chloe explained the pros of traveling while working remotely: “The best part is the flexibility. I can choose destinations based on what I want to experience. It also helps that I can still meet deadlines and connect with clients while living in these beautiful places.”

However, she also talked about the challenges. “The biggest con is internet reliability. Some places in Southeast Asia have great internet, while others are hit or miss. I’ve had to deal with slow connections or poor infrastructure.

When asked about her favorite cities, Chloe mentioned Rome, Italy, and Chiang Mai, Thailand. “Rome has a great digital nomad community, good internet, and great cultural scene. Chiang Mai was perfect for working in a peaceful, quiet setting while still being surrounded by nature.” Regarding the costs of living, Chloe shared, “Living as a digital nomad varies a lot depending on the location. In Italy, the cost of living can be high, especially in cities like Rome and Milan. However, when I moved to Southeast Asia, I was able to live comfortably on a smaller budget. In places like Chiang Mai or Ho Chi Minh City, rent, food, and transportation are much more affordable.”

As for her long-term plans, Chloe expressed her intention to keep this lifestyle. “I definitely want to continue working remotely while traveling. The digital nomad lifestyle allows me to experience new cultures, meet interesting people, and grow professionally without being tied to one place.

The Future of Digital Nomadism

The digital nomad trend is transforming the travel industry by shifting the traditional travel model toward longer stays, more immersive local experiences, and a growing reliance on flexible workspaces. As remote work continues to rise in popularity, more countries and cities will adapt to the needs of this mobile workforce. Whether it’s through the introduction of digital nomad visa programs, investments in co-working spaces, or tailored services for long-term travelers, the digital nomad lifestyle is here to stay.