Digital nomads, the trend that is here to stay

As a result of the pandemic, a new trend has emerged in the world. These are the digital nomads,
a type of tourist who combines work with relaxation and who seek affordable destinations to live
for periods of between three and six months, and then move again.

There is currently a huge market of digital workers with high purchasing power, with the ability to
spend and invest, who are looking for places in the world to reside, and at a time when tourism is
not yet fully consolidated, this market represents a very good option to contribute to the process
of reactivating the economy.

Given this, more travel destinations, both affordable and high-end, are creating strategies to
attract that job and wellness seeker. Some, like Costa Rica and Argentina, have even developed
specialized microsites where you can find all the information regarding the benefits, requirements,
and steps to follow so that these modern travelers can work in those countries.

Likewise, more than 25 countries have a visa system specially designed to attract tourists from all
over the world who want to work or study; with endless benefits, such as differential rates in
hotels, domestic flights, discounts in shops, etc.

In the case of Mexico, we are seeing that more and more Americans and Canadians are heading
south, not only to enjoy themselves, but also to settle for long periods with the purpose of
working, which is opening up a great opportunity to encourage and take advantage of this exodus.
According to a report by “Mexico, How Are We Going?” –Based on a survey conducted by the
Airbnb hosting platform to its clients who arrive in Mexico– 60% of these are interested in working
in this country while traveling.

In the same context, the platform launched its “Live and Work Anywhere” program last month, in
partnership with governments and DMOs (Destination Marketing Organizations) with which it will
create a one-stop shop for remote workers. This, along with its own policy of allowing Airbnb
employees to travel and work around the world.

On the other hand, the real estate sector in Mexico has also “charged the batteries” and is offering
special developments for these digital nomads; a hybrid between hotel and condominium, where
you can find the comfort, space and hospitality services of a hotel, but with the permanent
ownership of a residence.

However, the same report of “Mexico How Are We Going?” emphasizes the challenges that the
country faces to attract these digital nomads, which are the following:

1. Work permits. It is necessary to expand the legal framework so that foreigners can obtain a
   job.
2. Create or increase the registration of digital nomads and remote workers, since the lack of
   this “prevents capitalizing on a potential source of income in economic and social capital for
   the country.”
3. Lack of digital infrastructure and investment in seed capital for entrepreneurs in small cities
   and beaches.
4. “The creation of visas (or expedited work permits) for entrepreneurs and businessmen who
   seek to invest in the Mexican economy”, since they generate jobs.
   Finally, it is worth reflecting: What is the future scope of this trend? Will it be just a fad? Well, let
   me tell you, according to the Stanford Global Wellness Trends Report, it’s very likely here to stay,
   leaving the traditional office behind forever and leading to a massive paradigm shift in the very
   concepts of “work.” and “trip”.
6. What do you think? I read them.