How Digital Nomads Are Reshaping Global Tourism

A type of long-stay travel that benefits the local economy

According to ForwardKeys, numerous key markets are showing strong increases in intent to travel to destinations with established digital nomad schemes. This trend reflects a growing desire for extended travel experiences that combine work and leisure, often in sunny, lifestyle-rich destinations.

Destinations that successfully attract digital nomads are also welcoming a distinct type of visitor — one that stays far longer than the average tourist and contributes more meaningfully to the local economy. For many remote workers, living like a local is part of the experience. From renting longer-term accommodation to spending in neighbourhood cafés, coworking spaces, and wellness hubs, these travellers integrate into daily life and support local businesses in a way that short-term visitors typically do not.

Japan’s Case Study: Intent Soars Ahead of Visa Launch 

Japan’s introduction of a Digital Nomad Visa in March 2024 sparked a surge in one-way flight searches well before the official launch. Announced in February, the policy change triggered a visible uplift in travel intent — suggesting that agile policy-making, when paired with strong digital promotion, can generate real-world tourism impact.

Germany vs Austria: policy makes the difference 

Data comparing Germany and Austria in April 2025 suggests a correlation between visa policy and stay duration. Germany, which offers a dedicated freelance visa, attracted a higher proportion of one-way (41%) travellers and long-stay (7%), while Austria — lacking a targeted remote worker scheme — saw a more even distribution across short (27%), medium (40%), long-stay (5%) and one-way (28%) categories. These contrasting performances indicate a possible link between long-stays and remote workers.

Attracting a Younger, Experience-Seeking Cohort 

Digital nomad destinations are not just seeing longer stays — they’re attracting younger travellers, too. Air visitor data shows that the proportion of younger travellers in Germany is higher than in Austria across both the 18–25 (11.4% vs 8.4%) and 26–35 (10.9% vs 8.1%) age brackets, highlighting its stronger appeal among younger, possible mobile professionals. These travellers are often more experience-driven, tech-savvy, and inclined to spend on local culture, coworking spaces, and wellness services — a valuable segment for any tourism economy. 

”“Digital nomads represent a valuable segment for tourism economies — they stay longer, spend more locally, and bring a younger, experience-driven energy to destinations. With the right visa policies and data-led targeting, destinations can turn this mobile workforce into a long-term economic asset.”

Olivier PontiDirector of Intelligence and Marketing

This article originally appeared on ForwardKeys.