Perspective on digitalization in tourism and digital nomadism: examining the gap between ideal concept and occupational reality

This study explores the process of digital nomadism transitioning from an ideal concept to a real occupational experience, focusing on the gap between theoretical expectations and market reality.Through an analysis of quantitative data collected from 193 participants from the Slovak general public and workforce, this paper examines how professional specialization, demographic factors, and occupational status influence attitudes toward this lifestyle and its technological requirements.The data were collected anonymously from October 2024 to February 2025, primarily through the professional networking platform LinkedIn.Reflecting the specific dynamics of the Slovak socio-economic environment, the research sample largely comprises members of Generation Z and the millennial cohorts, with a dominant proportion of single female participants and students.To validate the four formulated hypotheses, non-parametric statistical tests (the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests) were employed, as the collected data deviated from a normal distribution.The results demonstrate that the perceived suitability for digital nomadism is strongly conditioned by the specific sector of operation; the IT and marketing sectors exhibit the highest levels of professional readiness, whereas administration and education record the lowest compatibility values.Furthermore, the study confirms a statistically significant relationship between the preferred duration of stay and professional status.Students exhibit a tendency to prefer significantly longer stays (an average of 68.4 days) compared to full-time employees (an average of 42.5 days), whose rigid work schedules and institutional constraints shape a transition toward a more stable form of "slowmadism".Additionally, the research reveals that respondents from collaboration-heavy industries (marketing and project management) display a strong preference for community-driven environments, rejecting the physical isolation of solo travel, and require a much more complex digital infrastructure.These professionals manage a more extensive portfolio of communication tools, which significantly increases demands on connection stability and bandwidth.These empirical findings defy the common stereotypes associated with digital nomads as a homogeneous group.Thus, the working reality of modern digital professionals requires specific technological infrastructure and tailored support structures.These insights are essential for the hospitality industry, destination management, and policymakers seeking to attract and retain this highly valuable, flexible, and location-independent global workforce in the era of ongoing digital transformation.