Skift Take
Rich pickings from a growing pool of remote employees, however the marketing and storytelling will need to fit the product for it to actually take off.
Matthew Parsons
A new operating model is emerging that could offer resort operators a chance to recoup losses after their lost summer seasons. They’re being motivated to take advantage of the digital nomad market by partnering with established communities, in addition to mid-term rental platforms.
Now Austria-based Falkensteiner Hotels & Residences has actually teamed up with Grabahome, and is aiming to fill its homes with remote employees during the low season.
It’s currently conducting a pilot task in Zadar, Croatia, which began on Sunday. The CEO of Grabahome forecasts it will catch on throughout Europe.
“We saw the digital wanderer village in Madeira in February, which influenced us to do something in Croatia,” said Mario Mrksa. However he’s calling his variation “The Valley,” as he’s thinking of the sort of people who might typically work in Silicon Valley.
“Digital nomads do not like to be in overcrowded places, so this is the best solution. From October till May, they get more cost effective rates, and a more local experience, which is difficult throughout summer season,” he included.
Mrksa struck a handle the hotel, as accommodation rates can fall more than 50 percent during the off season. For longer stays, one week in the new Falkensteiner “valley” now cost from just $150, but wanderers are being housed in mobile systems, instead of the surrounding hotel rooms– although they do get access to the resort’s facili