We now find ourselves at a critical point, where a potential backlash against digital nomads is on the horizon. The question arises: What should governments do when faced with this challenge? Is it prudent to adopt a strategy of silence and ignore the noise? Perhaps Lisbon's apparent success with this approach is appealing, but I argue that it is a big mistake.

While most government initiatives focus on attracting digital nomads, little attention is given to addressing the challenges that arise when they are already present. 

As the extreme left and media outlets hungry for clicks start targeting this community, it is more important than ever that proactive measures are taken to protect the local economy, the local and nomad community interests.

It is evident that politicians may view maintaining a low profile as a politically convenient option. However, by allowing this to persist, we risk an uninformed public blaming the digital nomad community without truly comprehending its implications, both positive and negative. This oversight is nothing short of a major mistake. Decisions and opinions should be held with proper information. 

Cities like Lisbon have far more to gain by actively managing the digital nomad community, like they did with the successful Startup Lisboa project, which is helping the local startup ecosystem to bloom.

By forging a strong connection between the startup ecosystem and the digital nomad community, an innovation hub can be cultivated that not only benefits the city but also propels the Portuguese economy forward.

The key lies in managing the community effectively, enabling digital nomads to make a positive impact on the local society. We must encourage knowledge sharing, foster collaborations with local NGOs, and provide real data on their economic contributions. Digital nomads, in essence, embody a form of long-term tourism, with a significant economic footprint. However, the private sector in Lisbon, particularly the hospitality industry, has yet to adapt to the market needs.
It is high time we rectify this oversight and build a mid-term economy that fosters their presence.

Looking ahead, it is clear that major cities must adopt a structured and proactive approach to embrace this emerging way of life and travel. By fostering collaboration between the digital nomad market and sectors such as innovation, NGOs, and local companies, we can shape a future that benefits all stakeholders.

Buenos Aires is a great example of what a city can do, the Digital Nomads BA is a project that aims to make the city the major hub in South America for digital nomads. The city government promotes their city in conferences, brings investment, facilitates travel groups and organizes a conference to show the world that  Buenos Aires is open to the nomad community. The results are impressive, the community embraced Buenos Aires and the city is today on the 13th position of the Nomadlist ranking. 

Madeira with the digital nomad village is today one of the top projects in the world and the biggest case study on how a government can foster this community, managing it in a sustainable way and assessing the economic and social impact constantly. 

Picture a scenario where entities such as Turismo de Portugal, Startup Lisboa, Startup Portugal, Digital Nomads Association Portugal, and other stakeholders come together to ensure that the international digital nomad community leaves a positive impact throughout the country. From bustling metropolises to quaint villages, this collaboration would foster a culture of knowledge-sharing and create a legacy of progress.

Time is of the essence, for every passing moment delays the realization of these goals. The faster we react and take decisive action, the better the results will be. Let us rise to the occasion and work collectively to create an environment where digital nomads can thrive and leave an indelible mark on the world around them.

In conclusion, it is imperative that destinations with a significant influx of digital nomads, such as Lisbon and Bali, establish projects to effectively manage this community. Governments must address the impending backlash, rather than adopting a strategy of silence. By proactively managing the digital nomad community, we can unlock their full potential, benefitting both the local society and the broader economy. 

The time to act is now.

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