Life is better in flip flops. Digital nomads and their transformational travels to Thailand

Abstract

Purpose The metamorphosis within the Thai segment of the hospitality industry has influenced the global outlook for hospitality services, shifting the focus from leisure to a hybrid approach of providing all-inclusive work-leisure offerings. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to outline the hybridisation of the hospitality industry in Thailand that is frequented by digital nomads, and to discuss the adaptation of local infrastructure to accommodate this trend. Design/methodology/approach Taking the form of a research note, this paper assesses the impact that digital nomads are having upon the hospitality industry in Thailand, and describes how different localities have begun to respond to the challenges and opportunities this trend presents. Additionally, the paper proposes an empirical study that would evaluate the success of various types of work–leisure hubs in adapting to the needs of digital nomads, and the alignment of their offerings with the expectations of these travellers. Findings A preliminary review of available resources reveals that there are a variety of work–leisure spaces catering to the needs of digital nomads. These spaces tend to combine lodging accommodations with a shared office environment, incorporating design elements and social activities that are likely to foster interpersonal relationships between guests. Be that as it may, the exact nature of the work–leisure space models behind these environments is unclear. Originality/value The paper envisions a study that will enhance scholarly understanding of the transformation which the Thai hospitality industry is currently undergoing in response to the influx of digital nomads. These insights will enable industry experts to assess both the feasibility and profitability of diverse work-leisure models, and assist policymakers in different jurisdictions.

Coworking and Coliving: The Attraction for Digital Nomad Tourists

“…This section summarizes ten main themes drawn in regards to coworking and coliving experience. The most recognized advantage is a community sense that includes easy access to meeting people and events; this finding is aligned with previous research [6][7][8][9][10]. In contrast to the community spirit, three participants indicated that they felt the lack of privacy at the same time:…”

“…Coworking and coliving space belong to the sharing economy, where the value is cocreated [4,5]. The majority of the previous studies recognized the value of bonding with like-minded individuals as the main advantage of coworking and coliving space [6][7][8][9][10]. Digital nomads tend to group within like-minded communities of locationindependent individuals [11].…”

“…Digital nomads tend to group within like-minded communities of locationindependent individuals [11]. Therefore, collective work-leisure hubs that combine working and living facilities are likely to foster guests' interpersonal relationships [8]. Nevertheless, only a few studies distinguished travelers from local users of coworking spaces or focused on coworking as a part of the hospitality industry.…”

Coworking spaces as talent hubs: The imperative for community building in the changing context of new work

“…In parallel, contemporary coworking spaces, thoroughly flexible and towards collaboration orientated workspaces, have seen a significant increase in popularity amongst workers who sought engaging office grounds where they could ‘work along together’ (Spinuzzi 2012 ) while seeking social support (Gerdenitsch et al 2016 ) and collectivization (Avdiikos and Iliopoulou 2019 ) by actively or passively interacting with one another (Parrino 2015 ; Rus and Orel 2015 ; Grazian 2020 ). Due to the increasing demand, coworking spaces have soon started to appear both in urban and rural environments (Merkel 2015 ; Nakano 2020 ), seemingly transforming various micro-locations into centres for highly skilled and knowledgeable workers (Orel 2020 ; Grazian 2020 ; Mariotti et al 2021 ; Migliore et al 2021 ).…”

From knowledge workers to knowmads: skills, roles and attributes – A literature review

“…A new segment of knowledge worker literature is developing around a new type of learner and worker of the 21 st century: the knowmad (Cobo & Moravec, 2011;Kubik, 2013;Moravec, 2008Moravec, , 2013aMoravec, , 2013bGarcia, 2012aGarcia, , 2012bOrel, 2020). The focus in the knowmad academic field is dedicated to the shifts in formal education and alternative competence development environments (e-learning).…”