Welcome back to Nomad Cloud where we explore what’s going on behind the scenes of everything travel, nomading, and remote work. A couple of weeks ago we learned about Japan’s incoming digital nomad visa from an exclusive interview with Akina Shu.

Today we find out their plan to house 1 Billion digital nomads.

Yes that’s a billion with a B! It’s starting to get a little cold for nomads in Europe, including some of our team. So where do we go that’s warm during winter? We’ll share the warmest places to survive your digital winter.

We also hear of a story of more hate toward nomads, what’s new this time?

To find out, let’s dive into today’s edition.

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• Japan Preps Housing For 1 Billion Nomads 🇯🇵

• Locals are Hatin’ on Nomads 😤

• Major Digital Nomad Brand Gets Acquired 🏡

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You’re Traveling Again Soon. What Do You Do If An EMERGENCY Occurs?

Traditional insurance won’t rescue you, and a medical evacuation can cost up to $300,000.

What does it cost to join Global Rescue? Just the price of membership, which starts as low as $139. Global Rescue memberships provide peace of mind with travel services designed for unexpected medical and security emergencies, whether you’re a digital nomad, expat, or family.

If you don’t have a plan in case of an emergency get Global Rescue

Why Is There Always Backlash Against Digital Nomads

Every few months we hear some story about digital nomads facing some hate for well, just being nomads. But this time it’s different.

From accusations of neo-colonialism to concerns about community disruption, the trend is under intense examination.

This global phenomenon, however, elicits varied responses.

Gran Canaria, Spain, views nomads as an economic boon, welcoming their injection of human capital and economic activity. Contrastingly, in Bali, interactions between locals and nomads often remain transactional, highlighting socio-economic divides. The clash between nomadic culture and local customs further complicates matters.

As this landscape evolves, the need for nuanced considerations and cultural awareness becomes apparent. While South Korea's digital nomad visa underscores the global embrace of remote work, the reception varies globally. Tokyo, despite lacking a specific visa, has become a remote work hub, showcasing diverse approaches to integrating nomads into daily life.

However, these shifting dynamics also reveal challenges. The clash between nomadic culture and local customs further complicates matters. Recent media reports of tourists behaving poorly in Bali highlight cultural tensions despite the Indonesian government's appeal to this mobile population.

The contrasting responses, from warmth in Gran Canaria to weariness in Bali, underscore the importance of context in local communities' accommodation of digital nomads. Beyond individual experiences, the evolving landscape points to broader systemic issues and the perpetuation of geopolitical power privileges that nomads navigate. Understanding this complex interplay is crucial as digital nomadism continues to redefine the intersection of work, travel, and local community dynamics.

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Why Japan Is Building 10,000 Homes For Nomads

Japan wants to capitalize on the digital nomad boom. How? Well, Mitsubishi Estate is planning to manage 10,000 rental homes by 2030. By partnering with Blueground Holdings, the company will introduce specialized housing services, starting in central Tokyo. The initiative targets international visitors seeking stays from one month to a year, streamlining the rental process through Blueground's reservation system. Mitsubishi Estate's collaboration anticipates sales of 20 billion yen and an operating profit of 3 billion yen, catering to the increasing demand from the global community of digital nomads. Here’s how they plan to do it all.

Strategic Partnership

Mitsubishi Estate strategically aligns with Blueground Holdings through a groundbreaking licensing agreement, heralding the introduction of innovative housing solutions in Japan. This collaboration positions Mitsubishi Estate at the forefront of addressing the unique needs of digital nomads with specialized options and cutting-edge services.

Targeted Locations and Prices

Mitsubishi Estate's initial focus on central Tokyo's vibrant areas, including Shibuya and Shinjuku, reflects a deliberate approach to cater to international visitors. Anticipated monthly rental prices ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 yen underscore the commitment to providing accessible yet quality housing options for this demographic.

Expanding Offerings

The collaboration with Blueground signifies Mitsubishi Estate's ambitious expansion into the digital nomad housing sector. With a visionary goal of managing 10,000 homes by 2030, this initiative aims to not only scale housing offerings but also diversify its reach across a broader age group. The projected sales target of 20 billion yen and an operating profit of 3 billion yen highlight the financial viability and strategic importance of this venture in meeting the evolving demands of the global digital nomad community.

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Networking Premium Acquires Coworking Bansko to Enrich the Digital Nomad Experience in Bulgaria

Last year Bansko, Bulgaria received much acclaim as one of the most popular spots for digital nomads, especially when it comes to nomad parents. So it’s no surprise their most notable community has had its coworking business acquired. Bulgarian coworking company Networking Premium strengthens its presence by acquiring Coworking Bansko Ltd, an integral part of the flourishing remote work hub in Bansko. The strategic move expands Networking Premium's reach, with the founder aiming to create a collaborative bridge between Sofia, Plovdiv, and Bansko communities. The acquisition reinforces Bulgaria's dynamic coworking scene, positioning Networking Premium as a key player with a network of eight locations and over 1,000 members, fostering collaboration and creativity between businesses.

Strategic Expansion with Coworking Bansko Acquisition:

The move aligns with Networking Premium's goal to connect Sofia, Plovdiv, and Bansko communities, creating a collaborative space for businesses.

Bansko Emerges as a Global Digital Nomad Hub:

Over the last five years, Bansko has become a top consistently growing remote work hub, growing by 245%. The town, host to events like Bansko Nomad Fest, attracts digital nomads, with Networking Premium aiming to enhance the digital nomad experience in Bulgaria.

Matthias Zeitler's Role and Coliving Semkovo Development:

Matthias Zeitler, co-founder of Coworking Bansko, remains an advisor and partner, contributing to the coworking community. Zeitler focuses on developing Coliving Semkovo, transforming a Communist-era hotel into a communal living environment, with plans for the second sale of units in January 2024.

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🎈 Notable Achievement Unlocked

We want to take a quick moment to acknowledge one of our members and leaders in the community, Lily Bruns, who recently published The Digital Nomad Visa Whitepaper. It’s an important piece in defining what it is to be a “digital nomad” so be sure to download it at https://remotecommons.org/