From backpacker to digital nomad - footpaths of a digital transformation

Abstract

As globalization provided a more efficient path to mobility meanwhile facilitating the search for information, the urge to travel and seek new cultures became intense. People from around the world engaged in the act of traveling more deeply than what was known previously. The backpacker phenomenon evolved into a lifestyle, as being a tourist simply was not fulfilling for this new generation of travelers; an evolution of Cohen’s “drifters”. Backpacking culture has been growing exponentially over the years, becoming the answer for young, creative, and adventurous individuals to find freedom and life purpose. Through the creation of cowork spaces, the objective is to develop an environment of mutual help, embracing new connections and, above all, strengthen productivity. This article aims at analyzing digital nomadism in the context of digital transformation and present a case study - Selina -, as an example of innovation and creativity from the hospitality business. Our focus will be an approach to the organizational culture of the company which appropriates itself and encourages new behaviors (coworking) as a way to attract digital nomads for its business.