One of the attractions of outdoor hospitality is being able to escape into nature and switch off from an increasingly online world.
However, recent research has found that changes in employment are driving a rise in ‘workation’ stays, which require accommodation that is more plugged in.
The report, from Straits Research, notes that hybrid and remote roles are allowing people to blend work and travel in a way that was never before possible, and this is “directly supporting demand for glamping accommodations in scenic and semi-remote locations.”
This demand, however, is only translating into overnights for sites that are “equipped with Wi-Fi, workspaces, and long-stay facilities, particularly in nature-based destinations that support extended remote working comfort.”
For operators, this raises a question: how adapted should your site be for remote work?
WiFi: An connected site can unlock midweek vacancies and extended stays
Hospitality has always faced a predictable demand pattern: peak occupancy at the weekend with a slow midweek. Attracting remote workers by integrating WIFI can help level this out, with remote workers filling in the Monday to Thursday dip.
Additionally, while a weekend getaway will typically average two night, workation stays can last one or two weeks — or even longer. Offering guests the infrastructure to take these workations can therefore have a significant impact on the average length of stay.
Not only do these longer, all-week stays increase occupation rates, they also reduce guest turnover, lowering housekeeping and administrative costs.
Workspaces: The perfect hybrid compromise?
Adding connectivity does not have to mean abandoning the core promise of a nature escape. Operators can use dedicated workspaces — a vital part of attracting remote workers — to draw a clear line between connected and tech-free zones. This helps cater to both digital nomads and guests seeking a complete digital detox.
For example, operators can keep sleeping areas, wellness areas and communal spaces strictly connection-free to preserve the nature-focused environment guests expect.
Meanwhile, there can be dedicated workstations with high-speed internet access, ergonomic seating, ample power sources and even meeting pods.
Long-stay facilities: It isn’t only the internet that remote workers require
Attracting workation stays isn’t only about the Wi-Fi. As Straits Research notes, guests are looking for sites equipped with long-stay facilities. These can include things like:
- Full kitchens: Equipped with refrigerators, freezers, stoves and food storage rather than a basic kettle or mini-fridge. These could be shared or private.
- Laundry areas: On-site washers and dryers for taking care of clothing during extended bookings. This could be an additional service with a fee or part of a workation package.
- Private storage: Extra wardrobe space and secure lockers for extended-stay luggage and the expensive equipment (such as laptops) that remote workers require.
One warning: Fast internet is subjective so set clear expectations
People on a workation will require a stable internet connection for daily tasks, so operators should ensure that expectations are clear ahead of time.
Simple descriptions like “Wi-Fi Available” can lead to mismatched expectations, which in turn can cause poor reviews.
If operators are listing on channels dedicated to workation stays, they might consider posting screenshots of upload and download speeds directly on the listings.
Alternatively, for more generalist channels, they can outline the scope of what is possible on the site’s network. For example, “Wi-Fi suited for HD video calls” versus “Wi-Fi for emails and web browsing”.
Keep the balance for an all-week outdoor operation
Overall, equipping an outdoor hospitality site with the infrastructure to attract workation stays doesn’t have to mean sacrificing its natural appeal.
By implementing good Wi-Fi, clear zoning with workspaces and long-stay facilities you can serve high-value remote workers while protecting the off-grid environment that makes outdoor hospitality so unique.
Unsure how to integrate guest technology into your site layout?
Contact Glamping Advisors today to evaluate your property’s strategic positioning, operational setup and commercial potential.
