Samenvatting

This qualitative study explores how digital nomads and local residents of Curacao interact and integrate with each other socially and culturally. Semi structured and in depth interviews were conducted with 18 stakeholders (6 digital nomads, 6 co working space managers and 6 local residents) to collect data on interactions, level of integration and the use of shared spaces to facilitate connection between digital nomads and local residents. The results show that digital nomads engage with local residents in diverse but limited ways balancing independence and a degree of connection. While personal motivations and external social and cultural factors and activities shape these interactions, engagement remains surface level and is utilised more for convenience and short term mutual benefits over deeper integration. Local residents in curacao perceive digital nomads with a large amount of unawareness as well as forms of tensions and optimism. Whilst local residents recognise the potential economic and cultural benefits digital nomads may bring, tensions arise with potential disparities in privilege, limited interaction and transient lifestyles digital nomads live. Co working spaces play a very limited role in fostering interaction between digital nomads and local residents catering primarily to long term rental contracts rather than transient digital nomads. This localised dynamic challenges existing theories that position co working spaces as central hubs for intercultural exchange. These findings have important implications for the future of integration between digital nomads and local residents on Curacao and can be helpful to the government and tourism board of Curacao. Most importantly, these implications are important to the commissioner of this research, TurtlCo, as this study provides actionable insights to guide its consulting efforts that inform both academic theory and TurtlCo’s strategic approach to sustainable tourism and community resilience. This study presents strategic recommendations to enhance the integration of digital nomads and local residents in Curaçao. Key steps include launching community awareness campaigns, promoting language exchange programs, knowledge sharing strategy through leveraging digital nomads’ skills through creating registries, and transforming co-working spaces into inclusive community hubs. These initiatives, supported by theoretical frameworks on cultural adaptation and collaboration, aim to foster mutual understanding, shared identity, and sustainable connections. By implementing these strategies, Curaçao can position itself as a premier destination for digital nomads while ensuring meaningful social and cultural integration with the local community.