In recent years, coworking spaces have become a growing source of interest for the tourism sector. Coworking spaces are often mentioned in the context of digital nomadism, as a strategy to attract freelancers and remote workers during extended stays. There is a growing trend to offer co-living solutions in addition to welcoming new types of users such as families on leisure travel. Despite the growing importance of tourism-related purposes, there is a lack of understanding about this link and the consequences of tourism on the development of coworking spaces and their locations. Tourism is under-explored as a factor influencing the spatial distribution of coworking spaces. To this end, this article explores the development and spatial distribution of the main coworking spaces in Portugal, paying particular attention to tourist demand and the initiatives and policies that promote this connection. In total, 221 coworking spaces with different nature and services were identified. . Spatial analysis was carried out at the NUTS II level. findings indicate a high concentration in two locations - Lisbon Metropolitan Region and Norte Region. Furthermore, measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic have transformed working practices. Different situations have been recorded, and many coworking managers expect to benefit from an increased number of remote workers and workplaces decentralization, particularly outside large cities, in places with better quality of life and lower cost of living. The results are discussed in terms of location considerations and policy measures taken since the beginning of the pandemic and the influence on the development of coworking spaces. The results provide critical insights for further research and policymakers.

COST ACTION CA18214 "The Geography of New Working Spaces and the Impact on the Periphery"

coworking spaces,digital nomads,remote work,spatial distribution,tourism