In India, the landscape of remote work is undergoing a transformative shift, with co-working spaces moving away from traditional urban centers to smaller, more unexplored locations. Here we explore five such Indian destinations that are not only witnessing a surge in co-working space demand but also experiencing a notable increase in tourism, permanent residency, and job opportunities in recent years.

1. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Data trends indicate that Rishikesh has seen a significant rise in the number of tourists, particularly spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts, with an annual increase of approximately 15% over the last few years. Additionally, the influx of digital nomads and remote workers has contributed to a surge in demand for co-working spaces, which have grown by an estimated 20% year-on-year.

2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi has experienced a notable increase in both tourism and permanent residency, with the city witnessing an average annual growth rate of 10% in tourist arrivals and a 15% increase in people shifting there permanently over the past couple of years. This influx of visitors and residents has fueled the demand for co-working spaces, with the sector witnessing a remarkable growth of around 25% annually.

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3. Goa

In Goa, tourism remains the primary driver of the economy, with the state attracting millions of visitors each year. Over the last few years, there has been a steady increase in the number of tourists, with an average annual growth rate of approximately 4.73%. Furthermore, the rise of remote work has led to a surge in demand for co-working spaces, which have seen a significant uptick in occupancy rates, growing by an estimated 30% year-on-year.

4. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

Dharamshala has emerged as a popular destination for both tourists and permanent residents, particularly among those seeking a serene environment amidst the Himalayas. Tourist arrivals have grown steadily at a rate of around 12% per year, while the number of people shifting to Dharamshala permanently has increased by approximately 20% annually. This influx of visitors and residents has spurred the development of co-working spaces, which have witnessed a remarkable growth of about 35% year-on-year.

5. Pondicherry

Pondicherry has witnessed a surge in tourism in recent years, with an average annual growth rate of around 10%. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in the number of people shifting to Pondicherry permanently, with a growth rate of approximately 15% per year. This influx of visitors and residents has led to a rising demand for co-working spaces, which have seen a significant increase in occupancy rates, growing by an estimated 25% year-on-year.

In conclusion, as remote work continues to gain momentum in India, smaller and unexplored destinations are emerging as the new frontier for co-working spaces. With the increasing influx of tourists, permanent residents, and job opportunities in these locations, the demand for co-working spaces is expected to continue its upward trajectory, reshaping the way we work and travel in the years to come.

(By Kushal Bhargava, Co-founder of MyBranch Services. Views are personal)