Madeira is launching a digital nomad village with free internet, free workspace, and fun events
Setting travel trends in stone during a global pandemic might be a stretch but there are still hints as to where the world of travel is headed, at least in the near future. One travel trend in particular has been gaining traction recently: workationing.
The concept has many denominations, such as workation, bleisure, bizcation, short-term digital nomading, yet the idea behind it is all the same — taking advantage of being able to work remotely and relocating yourself and your laptop to somewhere inspiring.
Popular travel destinations are luring workers in on vacation packages
Luxury resorts and destinations have started reinventing themselves, offering both short- and long-term stays for remote professionals.
The tropical paradise of the Maldives has become the first to introduce a loyalty program where travelers earn points simply for visiting. Points are given out for crossing the border, celebrating honeymoon, wedding anniversaries, and birthdays, or simply for spending the night there.
Promising to “indulge in luxury with the most exclusive privileges and unique benefits”, the Maldives Border Miles program features three tiers with “a set variety of rewards, services or benefits, which increases in value as members progress,” the website states.
A visitor to the archipelago who obtains at least 500 points will reach the Bronze tier “Aida”. The Silver “Antara” membership is capped at a minimum of 2,000 points and for the Golden “Abaarana” membership it’s required to have amassed at least 4,000 points.
Madeira is launching a digital nomad village
From 1 February to the end of June, Madeira’s Ponta do Sol will operate a digital nomad village for up to 100 remote workers who crave a change of scenery.
Those interested will have to stay for at least a month and in turn, they can look forward to having free internet access daily between 8:00 and 22:00, access to a Slack community, free working space, fun events, and a chance to get to know the local community.
All around the world, there’s a growing number of countries offering digital nomad visas to those wishing to exchange the office grind (be it in an actual office or in their homes) for a sunny or otherwise exciting workplace.
Among those is Hawaii with free airfare or Barbados with its Welcome Stamp program to attract vital long-term applicants to boost the island’s economy. Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa gives remote professionals the chance to relocate into the country for up to a year, while Greece is offering tax breaks in hopes of welcoming more professionals.
As of December 2021, the Digital Nomads Madeira Islands project has been deemed a great success and will continue until 2024.
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