Trends and interconnections between Digital Nomads and Tourism

A bibliometric analysis

Abstract

The relationship between digital nomads and tourism is a little addressed topic in the scientific literature. Understanding the needs, expectations and attributes of this audience may open new opportunities for tourism, what justifies the relevance of this research. A bibliometric analysis was carried out, indicating an evolution in the concept of digital nomads and its interconnections to tourism, especially highlighting psychological and sociological perspectives, in addition to the technological one which predominated in the initial studies. Results point to four dimensions that explain the relationship between digital nomads and tourism variables, namely: 'Supply attributes', 'Trends', 'Lifestyle' and 'Social engagement'. Each of these dimensions consists of a set of mediating variables, suggesting interesting supply guidelines on how to welcome these new audiences. Furthermore, the discussion suggests some challenges and opportunities for the tourism industry, and conclusion debates theoretical and practical implications.