Digital Nomadism and Opportunities for Sustainable Tourism in Minor Destinations: insights from the Valle dei Mocheni, Italy

This paper investigates the intersection of digital nomadism and development opportunities for minor destinations. These destinations are becoming increasingly famous among slow tourists, who seek relaxed atmosphere and authentic experiences. However, due to their marginality, many of them lack essential services such as health facilities, schools and transport connections. Grounded in contemporary shifts in work and mobility following the COVID-19 pandemic, the study explores how digital nomadism can serve as levers for sustainable tourism in minor areas. The study employs a case study approach, based on nine in-depth interviews with key public and private stakeholders engaged in the sustainable tourism development of the Valle dei Mocheni (Trentino, Italy). The case study illustrates both the opportunities and challenges faced by minor destinations seeking to integrate digital nomads in their territorial strategies. Findings highlight a growing institutional interest in digital nomads as drivers of local innovation, yet also reveal critical barriers at the level of services, infrastructures and regulations that may undermine efforts to retain them over time. Among the challenges identified, several require strategic action, such as the limited housing options which lack amenities for digital nomads, and the need to develop year-round attractions. The research contributes to the literature on sustainable tourism development for minor destinations, providing managerial insights for policy-makers and destination managers.