Let's know what exactly is a homestay business.
The changing world order has brought corporates out of cubicles to the camping stations set
along shores and beaches, in hills and mountains, on the sidelines of an island, around green galleries or any scenic site nearby.
After the pandemic manipulated the work-life systems, remote workers began rising and stress became complementary. So to ease the tension off, they began to explore the world with no halts from their regular work.
Yes! Here meet the new generation of digital nomads. A digital nomad is a person who remotely works while traveling. They have an ardent love for exploring the world without taking a day off from work.
They culturally worship work and at the same time satisfy their wanderlust temptations. Digital nomads usually seek for ‘BLEISURE’ travel i.e. travel for business and leisure simultaneously. By 2022, the global mobile workforce is expected to grow from 1.45 billion in 2016 to 1.87 billion, accounting for 42.5% of the worldwide workforce.
The workaholic peeps begin converging with the travel industry, and so will the surge of digital nomads, staycations, homestays, workstations, and a lot of services catering to serve business travelers.
This shift in work-travel culture has brought numerous opportunities for the hospitality industry that are waiting to get grabbed with the specific know-how of the needs of these tribes and all the innovative ideas to serve them on safer plates.
To bring in hospitality to the feet of these tribes, one needs to figure out what services they actually look for. These digital nomads look for open natural spaces where they have a scenic view and can feel the very wind and vibe with nature while working remotely.
They look for affordable travel and temporary stays with essential utilities. They require a strong wifi connection and access to necessary supplies, such as a printer, notepads, pencils, etc.
They usually get attracted to co-working spaces in hotels and restaurants and a work-house ambiance with simple decoratives and less noise. They usually prioritize hygienically safer places.
What would draw them to your place is how innovatively and affordably you cater to their
needs. One thing, the HORECA industry needs to keep in mind, a disciplined balance has to be maintained because these digital nomads seek BLEISURE and not only LEISURE. Let's drool over some must and creative ways through which the hospitality industry could tap its feet.
Let’s Have a Look 5 Ways to Digitalize Horeca Industry
1. Create Inviting Work-Oriented Spaces:
Natural Workspaces: Transform open natural spaces into work-friendly environments, offering more than just a desk and chair. Consider deck-chairs designed with built-in laptop stands, providing comfort and functionality.
GLAMPING Workstations: Embrace the trend of glamorous camping workstations. These unique accommodations blend the comforts of a hotel with the adventurous spirit of camping, providing digital nomads with a novel and comfortable workspace.
Make-Shift Cubicles: Experiment with creative setups using parachutes or other materials to form temporary workstations that capture the nomadic spirit.
Meeting Rooms: Cater to business needs by offering fully equipped meeting rooms within the premises, complete with computers, printers, and high-speed internet connectivity.
Customized Rooftop Ambiance: Elevate the experience by customizing terraces or rooftops into co-working spaces, featuring laptop-friendly setups, ergonomic seating, and breathtaking views to enhance productivity.
2. Essential Utilities Tailored for Digital Nomads:
Robust Wi-Fi Connectivity: Recognize the paramount importance of a stable and high-speed internet connection. Ensure that both open spaces and enclosed areas offer reliable Wi-Fi connectivity to meet the digital demands of remote work.
Accessible Charging Outlets: Acknowledge the need for accessible charging outlets, understanding that digital nomads rely heavily on electronic devices. Providing ample charging options enhances convenience and satisfaction.
Secondary Digital Amenities: Go beyond the basics by offering access to secondary digital amenities such as printers, notepads, pencils, and other supplies that contribute to a seamless work experience.
Travel Assistance: Extend services beyond the premises by facilitating travel arrangements. Consider organizing travel vans equipped with essentials, creating a seamless transition for guests exploring nearby attractions.
3. Safety Measures for Peace of Mind:
Sanitization Protocols: Prioritize guest safety with stringent sanitization protocols. Digital nomads, having left traditional office spaces due to safety concerns, appreciate clean and disinfected environments.
Hygienic Plates and Packaging: Embrace eco-friendly practices by opting for safe paper packaging and clay utensils. This not only ensures the health and well-being of guests but also demonstrates a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Bulk Cleaning Essentials: Source cleaning essentials and room amenities in bulk from reliable suppliers. This proactive approach guarantees a constant supply of high-quality products to maintain impeccable hygiene standards.
4. Technologically Advanced Services:
Streamlined Online Processes: Facilitate a seamless experience through online booking and payment options. This not only enhances convenience but also caters to the tech-savvy preferences of digital nomads.
Contactless Check-Ins and Checkouts: Embrace contactless processes to streamline guest interactions. Implementing technologies that minimize physical contact contributes to a safer and more efficient experience.
CRM Dashboards: Adopt Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to maintain detailed guest profiles. This allows for virtual contact and instant response to guest requirements, creating a personalized and efficient service experience.
5. Rewarding and Engaging Repeat Guests:
Exclusive Discounts and Travel Coupons: Cultivate loyalty by offering exclusive discounts and travel coupons to repeat guests. Acknowledge and appreciate their continued patronage, fostering a sense of belonging and incentive for return visits.
Continuous Improvement Through Feedback: Actively seek feedback from digital nomad guests to identify areas for improvement. By incorporating their suggestions, establishments can continuously enhance services and offerings to meet evolving needs.
Post-Departure Engagement: Stay connected with guests even after departure through strategic messaging and email campaigns. Update them on new services, enhancements, and offerings, keeping the establishment top-of-mind for future travel plans.
By adopting these comprehensive strategies, the HORECA industry can not only attract digital nomads but also position itself as a preferred choice for this dynamic and growing segment.
Leveraging social media catalogs to showcase these offerings and optimizing search engine optimization (SEO) strategies will broaden the reach to potential digital nomad guests.
To address common inquiries, consider including a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section at the end of this blog, ensuring clarity and addressing any concerns that prospective guests may have.
1. Q: What is a digital nomad, and why is the HORECA industry focusing on serving this demographic?
A: A digital nomad is an individual who works remotely while traveling. The HORECA industry is targeting this group because of the increasing trend of professionals seeking a blend of work and leisure, often referred to as "bleisure" travel.
2. Q: What amenities are essential for digital nomads in HORECA establishments?
A: Digital nomads prioritize strong Wi-Fi, accessible charging outlets, secondary digital amenities (printers, notepads, etc.), and a comfortable work environment. They also appreciate travel assistance, such as organized vans for exploring nearby attractions.
3. Q: How can HORECA establishments ensure a safe and hygienic environment for digital nomads?
A: Implement stringent sanitization protocols, offer hygienic plates and packaging (safe paper packaging, clay utensils), and source cleaning essentials in bulk. These measures provide digital nomads with the peace of mind they seek while working and traveling.
4. Q: What sets apart HORECA establishments that cater to digital nomads from traditional hotels or restaurants?
A: Tailored work-oriented spaces, comprehensive digital amenities, and a focus on safety distinguish HORECA establishments for digital nomads. Unique offerings like glamping workstations, make-shift cubicles, and customized rooftop workspaces create a distinctive experience.
5. Q: How can HORECA establishments engage with digital nomads post-departure?
A: Establishments can stay connected by sending messages and emails updating guests on new services, enhancements, and special offers. This post-departure engagement fosters a sense of loyalty and encourages digital nomads to consider the establishment for future stays.
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