Until the year 2020, it seemed travel had become, almost undoubtedly, an inseparable part of our life. However, the COVID-19 pandemic raised serious doubts about this development and posed several questions about how we value mobility. Companies established novel work arrangements with a focus on social distance utilizing technology-based tools to work remotely. With the embrace of remote and flexible working styles, many started to reassess their options for a more purposeful, inclusive worklife, built for balance and well-being. Consequently, the pandemic is also seen as a driver of stimulated interest in experiencing a new digitally enabled nomadic lifestyle. Digital nomads are not just tourists but individuals who are dissatisfied with the demanding work cultures, they are distinct in their motivations, behavior and use of services._x000D_
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This research is devoted to identify some of the main types of digital nomads, and examine the peculiarities of their personal identity with positive and negative aspects in the formation and development of sustainable tourism. The findings suggest that consumption paradoxes exist concerning the freedom, sustainability, dematerialization and acceleration manifest of the digital nomads’ lives. However, given that they are more aware of their own impact and receptive to stricter measures, the identified inherent paradoxes are seen as an opportunity. Overall, digital nomads, being experienced in slow tourism, engage in more authentic, immersive experiences and travel off-the-beaten track. Consequently, we consider digital nomadism as an opportunity for peripheral territories to embrace as a tool to attract this emerging target group together with more sustainable post-tourists.

Agota Pfening, Melinda Jaszberenyi, Ariel Mitev
Corvinus University of Budapest

 
ID Abstract: 121