It is a term which was almost completey unknown in Croatia about 18 months ago. But the pace of progress of the digital nomad concept taking root is unusually quick for a country famed for its relaxed and laid-back lifestyle.
Having followed and written about the sector for over a couple of years now, it is interesting to follow the different perspectives of those involved on how they see things, as we as observing how various initiatives are converging to build a community.
(credits Zoltan Nagy/Saltwater Nomads)
One of the most interesting observations in recent weeks – to me at least – was this comment from one of the recent Dubrovnik Digital Nomads-in-Residence, currently living on Hvar. ‘Digitalni Nomadi’ is now a term ordinary people throughout Dalmatia now understand.
There have been various initiatives in recent times to push the digital nomad scene in Croatia, some working in tandem, others independently. Last night, several converged in what was a significant night for the growing Zagreb digital nomad community.
A social evening, organised by the largest DN social media group, Digital Nomads Croatia, hosted its monthly gathering in the centre of the city, at Bustan Bar. The bar is part of a complex of a converted hostel, which also is home to the first 24/7 co-working space, Myspace.
Special guest was Dean Kuchel, September’s Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador, Nimrod Dean Kuchel, part of the Zagreb Digital Nomad Week project by Saltwater Nomads, the Zagreb Tourist Board, and TCN.
And among those in the audience was Dutch entrepreneur Jan de Jong, whose initiative to introduce a Croatian digital nomad visa has brought global attention on Croatia as a DN hot spot.
Kuchel was a very entertaining and enthusiastic keynote speaker during Zagreb Digital Nomad Week (you can see his presentation above), with a focus on building community. One of his mantras is that he travels solo, but never alone. On a mission to visit all the countries in the world (and currently on 101), the presence of an awaiting community is a big draw for him to visit a destination. When asked about his impressions of Zagreb in the short interview below, he answered that Zagreb ticked all the DN boxes, and the only thing missing for nomads in Zagreb was more digital nomads.
He has been very active in promoting Zagreb ever since. Firstly, through the 24,000-strong DN community he runs, and more recently by applying to be a Zagreb Digital Nomad Ambassador. When we met for a welcome drink shortly after his arrival at the beginning of the month, he stated that his aim was to work to develop the community during his stay.
Last night’s event, of which the centrepiece was Kuchel’s AMA (Ask Me Anything) session about his DN lifestyle was both popular and lively. New friendships and networks were developed, ideas traded, and various actors in the digital nomad sector met for the first time.
There is a growing momentum with the Zagreb digital nomad story, which seems to be surprising visiting nomads with the quality of the lifestyle, WiFi and spoken English, among many other positives. The growing of a cohesive community and support from international ambassadors such as Kuchel can only accelerate that process.
An Israeli bar/co-work owner, an Israeli DN ambassador, and a Dutch entrepreneur – all invested in developing Zagreb and Croatia in this exciting new direction, in partnership with great local partners. It is encouraging to see.
Kuchel posted his feelings about his Zagreb exprience on social media this week:
Two weeks into my Zagreb visit, I understand why Jan de Jong made Croatia his home.
I was invited to #zagreb by the board of tourism to experience the city as a digital nomad and remote professional.
What I found is a capital city, and a country, taking actions to welcome digital nomads.
Excellent connectivity and speeds everywhere, plenty of co-working spaces, and a one-of-a-kind Digital Nomad visa, so you know no-one is kicking you out after 90 days. Bliss!
Nice people, festive culture, perfect weather, and excellent cost-of-living to quality-of-life ratio – are also included.
Say YES! Go Explore Zagreb. I am there as well, and I’m loving it.Pro tip: bring your mom, she’ll thank you.
#remotework #digitalnomads #sayyes #worldtravel
Read more – Zagreb, Split Attracting More Digital Nomads than Prague, Krakow, Budapest
For more news and features about digital nomads in Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.
