Remote Work Abroad Is Redefining Hotel Demand

The pandemic didn’t just reshape how people work—it rewrote the rules of global travel. As remote work cements itself as a permanent fixture in modern life, a new class of traveler has emerged: the digital nomad and the “workcationer.” This shift is proving transformative for the hospitality sector, driving new forms of demand and forcing hotels to rethink what a stay looks like.

Remote work as a driver of hotel stays

For years, “bleisure” travel—blending business and leisure—was considered a fringe trend. Today, it is mainstream. Recent surveys show the proportion of employees working from abroad jumped from 8.5% in 2023 to 13.25% in 2025, representing more than seven million people (The Times). These are not traditional corporate road warriors; they are employees taking advantage of flexible arrangements to swap their home office for a rented room in Lisbon, a coworking hotel in Bali, or a serviced apartment in Miami.

Hotels are quickly learning that this is not just a fad. Research into Airbnb booking patterns shows the average stay lengthened after 2021, with long stays of 28 days or more nearly doubling compared to pre-pandemic norms (arXiv). What was once the domain of freelancers is now a lifestyle embraced by mainstream employees.

Hotels pivot toward extended stays

Hospitality brands are adapting with speed. Chains like Hyatt and Hilton are launching extended-stay concepts tailored to remote workers, while more lifestyle-driven operators such as CitizenM, Zoku, and Selina have reimagined hotels as hybrid spaces—part coworking hub, part social community. Hyatt’s “Great Relocate” package and CitizenM’s “Global Passport” are emblematic of this strategy: catering to professionals who plan to stay not for two nights, but for two months.

This is not purely about amenities like strong Wi-Fi and ergonomic chairs. The deeper appeal lies in the promise of flexibility—stays that feel as convenient as an Airbnb but with the reliability of a hotel. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the hospitality industry increasingly views “work-from-anywhere” as an opportunity to diversify revenue streams and attract longer bookings (US Chamber).

Global competition for remote workers

Countries are recognizing the potential. Croatia, Mauritius, and Dubai have launched long-stay visas to lure remote workers. These programs not only extend tourism revenues but also help stimulate local economies by attracting relatively high-spending professionals. As Le Monde reported, digital nomadism has matured into a structured market, with co-living operators like Outsite and Selina expanding globally to serve it (Le Monde).

What it means for the future

The hospitality industry’s embrace of remote workers is more than a response to post-pandemic recovery—it is a strategic recalibration. Extended stays generate stable revenue, diversify guest profiles, and reduce dependence on seasonal tourism. Yet challenges remain. Hotels must invest in infrastructure, rethink pricing models, and balance the needs of vacationers with those of laptop-toting professionals.

The bottom line is clear: remote work abroad is not a passing phase, but a structural shift that will continue to reshape hotel demand. As more workers trade offices for ocean views, hotels willing to meet this demand with creativity and flexibility are likely to emerge as the big winners.