Donegal Working Holiday Campaign 2023 and 2022
About this good practice
The Donegal Working Holiday campaign was launched to promote Donegal as an attractive destination for remote workers and digital nomads. The initiative, led by Donegal County Council in partnership with various digital hubs, offers free day passes to remote workers who want to experience Donegal’s work-friendly environment and scenic charm. Remote workers and digital nomads can register online to access digital hubs in 11 locations across Donegal, ranging from coastal to rural sites.
The campaign emphasizes Donegal's strong digital infrastructure, developed through initiatives like Project Kelvin, which provides high-speed connectivity essential for remote work. Alongside stunning natural scenery, quality of life, and a vibrant cultural scene, Donegal County Council hopes the campaign will attract digital nomads and potentially inspire them to make Donegal a permanent base. The campaign also benefits local communities and businesses, as remote workers contribute to the local economy during their stay.
This working holiday project aligns with Donegal’s broader goals for regional growth, especially by leveraging digital infrastructure to encourage new ways of living and working in the county. It’s seen as a model for future tourism and investment strategies, aimed at turning Donegal’s visitors into long-term residents or investors in the local economy.
Resources needed
1. Digital Infrastructure
2. Physical Workspace Development
3. Marketing and Promotion
4. Staff and Management
5. Partnerships and Sponsorships
6. Local Business and Community Involvement
Evidence of success
The Donegal Working Holiday campaign has shown promising signs of success through the following indicators:
1. Increased Hub Utilization.
2. Positive Feedback and Social Media Engagement
3. Support from Business and Community Stakeholders
4. Interest from International Remote Workers
Potential for learning or transfer
The Donegal Working Holiday campaign provides several valuable insights for other regions in Europe looking to boost their attractiveness for remote work and rural economic growth. Key learnings include:
1. Digital Infrastructure as a Foundation
2. Leveraging Natural and Cultural Assets
3. Strategic Partnerships and Local Engagement
4. Flexible, User-Friendly Co-Working Solutions
5. Marketing and Social Media Strategy.
These elements make Donegal's approach adaptable for EU regions aiming to enhance local economies through remote work and tourism. Integrating infrastructure, community partnerships, and lifestyle promotion can turn visitors into potential residents and investors.