The rise of the digital nomad is changing the way people work and travel. Never has internet connectivity and especially internet for hotels been more important. More and more people are working remotely, and are looking for destinations that offer a balance of work and relaxation. Costa Rica is quickly becoming a hotspot for digital nomads, as it offers beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, abundant wildlife and a thriving ex-pat community. If you’re a hotel owner in Costa Rica, it’s important to understand how to cater to this market. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best strategies for preparing your hotel for the digital nomad market!

The thing about digital nomads is they are just that. You might think of them as cyber gypsies. It’s a fact that Costa Rica can attract this market easily, especially with the new law that came into being in October of 2021. But how do you keep them in your establishment or at the very least, get them to come back, again and again? 

Here are some ideas to get started attracting and retaining digital nomads to your business.

• Evaluate your current internet speed and stability and make necessary upgrades. There are many choices out there, but you must find the one that suits your customers’ needs and works well in your area. Historically, it has not been easy to find fast reliable internet throughout the country. However, iTellum is a great internet provider for businesses that want to cater to the digital nomad market. They’ve got it covered with high-speed 1:1 fiber optics in urban areas and high-throughout broadband satellite in rural areas. Your physical location is no longer a hindrance when it comes to connectivity.

• Advertise your wi-fi availability prominently on your website, social media channels, and in your physical space. Be sure you make your network access info readily available to your guests so they don’t have to ask. You can have faster, better, stronger internet and support almost anywhere in the country with iTellums superior internet achieved via 1:1 International Fiber Optics or High Speed Satellite Broadband Internet utilizing the HughesNet Satellite known as Jupiter 2.

• Provide comfortable, spacious areas with plenty of seating for guests to work in. Offer outlets and charging stations with enough ports for a variety of devices. Remember that guests may be dealing with various time zones and may work from their room so a small workspace can make all the difference. Having the Fastest & Most Reliable Internet in Costa Rica gives you the “upper edge” giving your customers the knowledge that they can depend on your internet connection. 

• Provide plenty of opportunities for guests to connect with other like-minded travelers. If you don’t have a restaurant on premises, create a social venue in the common areas to host events or gatherings.

• Have a variety of snacks and drinks available for purchase, as well as food options that can be eaten quickly or easily taken on the go. These days, healthy options are in demand and Costa Rica provides many choices, so take advantage of them. Fresh fruit and veggies are always welcome and many of these will be considered exotic by your guests’ standards. 

• Make sure your internet signal is consistent throughout your property. There are very few things more aggravating than traveling on business and you can’t perform what is expected of you because the ad said there was WiFi, but never mentioned that there is none in your room. This is also true of internet service providers. Internet Consierge is a term iTellum uses to describe their superior internet service. It means they deliver what is promised from start to finish providing the redundant quality coupled with the best service and support. Staying connected is tantamount to the survival of the digital nomad. Whether it’s poolside, at the breakfast bar, or in their room, online access is king. 

• Digital Nomads travel with expensive high-tech equipment, such as laptops, tablets, cameras, and cellphones. If you have a hotel security system, make sure it is functioning and up to date. If you don’t have a system, look into getting one that covers possible entrance areas. WiFi video cameras with DVD capabilities and tablet/smartphone monitoring are now the norm in many establishments and require strong, reliable internet in all areas of your business. If you are in more remote areas of Costa Rica, rural satellite internet can provide the base you need to run them. Many hotels and B&Bs have security staff that complement these systems by being “boots on the ground” if an area is compromised. Having a cohesive security plan in place backed by Costa Rica’s only High Speed Satellite Internet can give both visitors and hotel staff peace of mind.

Itellum Fastest & Most Reliable Internet in Costa Rica

So far the main focus has been on hotels, B&Bs, and other types of accommodations. Restaurants are also a vital part of the digital nomad experience. A full stomach equals a happy camper! Costa Rica has no shortage of restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets, but as with accommodations, there are some things that can make your restaurant more appealing to this market segment. 

First and foremost is good food and service! However, commercial grade internet with speed and reliability are also important factors, as is the safety of your eatery. If you’re in an area that’s been hit by natural disasters or perhaps even crime, make sure you have a plan in place to evacuate guests if necessary and provide them with information on how they can continue working safely from wherever they are. This also applies to hotels and other tourism-related businesses. If you are a tour operator especially if you are doing tours “off the beaten track”, you know the value of Reliable Satellite Internet and Broadband in your office. It’s the lifeline for reservations and your clients’ connection to the outside world. 

Charging ports are another must-have, as most digital nomads rely heavily on their devices to stay productive while on the road. However, some tours and activities can’t accommodate this readily, especially whist zip-lining through the jungle! So if you can’t provide charging stations, be sure to have a selection of adapters and cables available for guests to use once they get to an area that’s not beneath a waterfall! Make sure you are prepared for the digital nomad market and that your guests always have a great experience.

And finally, don’t forget about promoting your enterprise online! Make sure you take advantage of the opportunity to advertise your business to the digital nomad market. This can be done through online directories, social media, and search engine optimization of your website. With the growth of the digital nomad market, it’s more essential than ever to ensure that your hotel, restaurant, or any other business they may frequent, has reliable, fast internet and some of the comforts of home. Let them know you’ve got everything to make their work experience productive and their leisure experience, memorable with the Best Internet Costa Rica has to offer.

Note: At the time of this writing, the Digital Nomad law in Costa Rica is valid, but the regulations and applications fees have not completed the approval process and have yet to be published. This is anticipated to happen within the next few months.