Purpose As remote work becomes increasingly normalized, digital nomadism has emerged as a significant form of long-stay travel, reshaping tourism patterns and influencing destination development strategies. Using an exploratory approach, this study investigates the factors that drive digital nomads' intention to stay longer in a destination. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the theory of planned behavior and place attachment theory, a conceptual model was developed linking cultural contact, emotional solidarity and social influence to intention to stay longer, with weather salience tested as a moderating variable. Quantitative data were collected from 80 digital nomads and analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling. Findings Results indicate that cultural contact is the only significant predictor of digital nomads' intention to stay longer, while emotional solidarity and social influence show no direct effect. Moreover, weather salience does not moderate the hypothesized relationships, suggesting that digital nomads' mobility decisions are resilient and largely independent of external climatic cues. Practical implications Destination managers and policymakers should prioritize initiatives that foster cultural engagement, such as language learning opportunities, immersion programs and collaborations with local communities. Complementary infrastructure and policy measures – including co-working spaces, reliable Internet connectivity and flexible visa options – are equally critical for attracting and retaining digital nomads, particularly in developing countries. Originality/value This study advances theoretical and practical understanding of digital nomad behavior by identifying cultural contact as a key determinant of extended stays. It also highlights the limited roles of emotional solidarity and social influence, offering new insights into the independent, self-directed nature of digital nomads' long-term travel decisions.
Yamagishi et al. (Wed,) studied this question.