Workation in the Pays de Gex : how to attract remote workers and optimize your rental income?

What if your property could host travelers who aren't just visiting for a vacation, but also to work?

With the rise of remote work, a new way of traveling has gradually taken hold: "workation," a blend of the words work and vacation .

The concept is simple: work remotely from an appealing destination while enjoying the surroundings during your free time.

For owners of furnished rentals, this shift represents an interesting opportunity. Travelers are looking for more than just a place to stay: they want a comfortable, functional home that is well-suited for longer stays.

In the Pays de Gex, located right next to Geneva and at the foot of the Jura mountains, this clientele deserves special attention.

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Workation: A new way to travel

Traditionally, short-term rentals primarily hosted tourists, families on vacation, or professionals on business trips.

Today, the lines between work and travel are blurring for certain categories of employees and freelancers.

A professional might extend a business trip by a few days, a freelancer might choose to work from a different region, or a couple might stay for several weeks in a rental where one of them is working remotely.

This shift is part of a broader trend: the search for flexibility and a better work-life balance.

Booking platforms have also noted a growing interest in extended stays. Airbnb reported that in 2022, approximately 18% of gross nights booked on its platform were for stays of 28 nights or longer.

While these figures don't exclusively refer to workation travelers, they illustrate the increasing importance of long-term stays in the furnished rental market.

For a property owner, this type of guest can offer several advantages:

• Longer bookings.
• Fewer guest turnovers.
• The ability to fill periods that are traditionally in lower demand.

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Why is the Pays de Gex such an attractive area?

Nestled between the Jura Mountains and the Swiss border, the Pays de Gex enjoys a unique geographical position.

Towns like Ferney-Voltaire, Saint-Genis-Pouilly, Gex, Divonne-les-Bains, and Prévessin-Moëns offer a pleasant lifestyle while remaining close to Geneva.

This location offers several advantages for travelers looking to combine work with exploring the region.

Proximity to Geneva and its economic hub

Geneva is home to numerous international companies, organizations, institutions, and economic activities.

This concentration leads to regular business travel for consultants, visiting staff, researchers, external contractors, and employees on temporary assignments.

Some of these travelers may be looking for an alternative to traditional hotel accommodation, especially when their stay lasts for several days or weeks.

A furnished apartment in the Pays de Gex can be an attractive solution, offering more space, a fully equipped kitchen, and the ability to maintain your daily routines.

However, it is important to consider actual travel times, border traffic conditions, and any potential administrative constraints related to working from another country.

An ideal environment to unwind after work

The Pays de Gex also has an advantage that large cities cannot always offer: immediate access to nature.

Hiking in the Jura, walks around Lake Geneva, sports activities, exploring surrounding villages, or trips into Geneva: the possibilities are endless.

For a traveler working remotely, this environment can make all the difference.

After a day in front of a computer, you can enjoy a natural setting without necessarily having to plan a full-blown tourist trip.

It is precisely this combination of professional activity and quality of life that makes "workation" so appealing.

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What kind of travelers can the Pays de Gex attract?

The clientele interested in accommodation suitable for remote work is not limited to a single profile.

Professionals on assignment in Geneva

Consultants, employees of international companies, researchers, or temporary contractors may need housing for several weeks.

They generally look for functional, well-located accommodation that offers more independence than a hotel room.

Independent workers and freelancers

Some independent workers enjoy great geographical freedom.

They may choose to stay in the Pays de Gex to enjoy its environment while continuing their professional activities remotely.

For them, the quality of the internet connection and the comfort of the workspace are essential.

Employees extending a business trip

A traveler who has come for a few meetings in Geneva may wish to extend their stay to explore the region, provided their employer and working conditions allow it.

Accommodation equipped for remote work can make this extension more attractive.

Couples and families

Workation can also involve couples or families where one member works while the others enjoy the destination.

In this case, the presence of a kitchen, a pleasant living area, and amenities suitable for multiple occupants becomes particularly important.

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Essential amenities to attract remote workers

Accommodation intended to host workation travelers must meet slightly different expectations than those of standard tourist lodging.

An apartment may be perfectly suitable for a weekend, but become less comfortable when a traveler spends several hours a day working there.

However, a few adjustments can make a real difference.

1. A reliable internet connection

This is arguably one of the most important criteria.

A traveler working remotely must be able to participate in video conferences, transfer documents, and use their professional tools without interruption.

A stable and sufficiently high-performance Wi-Fi connection is therefore a genuine selling point.

It is recommended to test the connection regularly and, where relevant, specify the measured speed in the listing.

It is better to provide verified information than to promise high-speed internet without knowing its actual performance.

2. A proper workspace

A laptop on a coffee table isn't always enough for working comfortably.

Ideally, the property should include:

• A desk or suitable table.
• A comfortable chair.
• Adequate lighting.
• Easily accessible power outlets.

In a studio, a small, well-organized workspace can already be a significant advantage.

In a one-bedroom apartment or larger, the ability to work in a room separate from the living area can be a real asset.

3. A fully equipped kitchen and everyday essentials

The longer the stay, the more guests want the amenities they are used to at home.

A functional kitchen, a large enough refrigerator, a washing machine, storage space, and comfortable bedding all directly contribute to the quality of their experience.

These elements may seem secondary for a two-night booking, but they become incredibly important during a stay of several weeks.

4. A quiet and comfortable environment

Quiet is an important criterion for travelers who attend remote meetings or need to focus.

Good insulation, effective heating in winter, pleasant natural light, and a comfortable indoor temperature all help make the property suitable for remote work.

A balcony, terrace, or garden can also boost its appeal, especially for travelers who want to enjoy breaks outdoors.

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Five strategies to attract more workation travelers

Having a suitable property is the first step. You still need to know how to present and market it effectively.

1. Highlight the workspace in your listing

Photos play a decisive role in choosing a place to stay.

If your property has a desk, a high-speed internet connection, or a quiet space, these features should be visible as soon as someone views your listing.

A photo of the workspace can help a traveler immediately picture themselves there.

The description should also mention the amenities that are actually available.

2. Adapt your listing title and description

An apartment located near Geneva can appeal to both tourists and business travelers.

It is therefore worth highlighting its main assets:

• Proximity to transport links.
• Workspace.
• Wi-Fi connection.
• Parking.
• Quiet environment.

For example, a title like "Comfortable apartment near Geneva with workspace" may be more relevant to this audience than a description focused solely on vacations.

The goal is not to completely change the positioning of the property, but to show that it is suitable for multiple purposes.

3. Offer pricing tailored to extended stays

Travelers booking for several weeks do not necessarily think the same way as those booking for a weekend.

They often compare the total cost of the stay with that of other furnished apartments or hotel solutions.

On Airbnb, it is possible to offer weekly discounts for stays of at least seven nights and monthly discounts for stays of at least 28 nights.

A discount can make a property more attractive, but it must be calculated based on its profitability.

Let's look at an example:

An apartment listed at €110 per night represents:

• Without a discount: €3,080 for 28 nights.
• With a 15% discount: €2,618 for 28 nights.

The owner earns less per night, but benefits from a longer booking, potentially resulting in fewer vacancies and less turnover.

A discount is therefore only worthwhile if it improves the property's overall bottom line.

It is essential to compare this strategy with the income that could have been generated through several shorter bookings.

4. Adapt management to the needs of long-term stays

A traveler staying in an apartment for three weeks does not have the same expectations as a visitor staying for two nights.

They may require:

• Fresh linens.
• Mid-stay cleaning.
• Assistance with an appliance or amenity.

Responsiveness to issues becomes particularly important when the property serves as both their living space and workspace.

Professional management makes it possible to organize these services, track requests, and maintain a satisfactory level of comfort throughout the stay.

5. Adjusting your strategy by season

One of the benefits of workation is the ability to attract travelers outside of traditional vacation periods.

In the Pays de Gex, business travel, temporary assignments, and remote work stays can help diversify rental demand.

Property owners can therefore consider a strategy that combines short-term tourist stays during certain periods with longer bookings when demand justifies it.

However, this approach requires an analysis of pricing, the calendar, and the property's actual performance.

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Mistakes to avoid

Certain mistakes can limit an apartment's appeal to travelers looking to work remotely.

1. Advertising amenities or services that do not match reality.

An unstable internet connection, an uncomfortable desk, or a noisy environment can quickly ruin the experience.

2. Neglecting the presentation of the property.

An apartment perfectly suited for remote work may go unnoticed if its features are not highlighted in the listing.

3. Automatically offering large discounts without checking their impact on revenue.

4. Underestimating maintenance and support needs during extended stays.

A traveler staying for several weeks expects a functional home throughout their entire booking, not just on the day they arrive.

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Extended stays: watch the regulatory framework

Before expanding into multi-week bookings, it is essential to verify the legal framework applicable to the property.

Regulations can vary depending on the municipality, the nature of the property, its status as a primary or secondary residence, and the type of contract used.

In France, the rules for tourist rentals are not necessarily the same as those for standard furnished rentals or mobility leases.

An extended stay does not automatically fall under the same legal framework as a tourist booking for a few nights.

Declaration and registration requirements, changes of use, or duration limits must be examined based on the specific situation of the property.

Furthermore, for professionals working in Switzerland, regulations regarding cross-border teleworking, taxation, and social security can also impact their personal arrangements.

It is therefore advisable to verify these factors before specifically targeting long-term guests for a property.

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What is the potential for property owners in the Pays de Gex?

"Workation" does not guarantee an automatic increase in rental income.

However, it does represent an additional market segment that owners can seek to attract by adapting their property and commercial strategy.

A well-appointed studio in Ferney-Voltaire, a comfortable one-bedroom apartment in Saint-Genis-Pouilly, or a family home in Divonne-les-Bains can each meet different needs.

The potential will depend in particular on:

• Location.
• Quality of amenities.
• Accessibility.
• Pricing.
• Actual demand.

The goal is not necessarily to prioritize long stays year-round, but to find the best balance between booking duration, occupancy rates, and profitability.

At IZIX Conciergerie, we support Pays de Gex property owners in this process by tailoring marketing, pricing, and property management to the specific characteristics of each home.

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Conclusion: an opportunity to integrate into your rental strategy

Workation illustrates the evolution of travel habits and the growing importance of professional flexibility.

For property owners in the Pays de Gex, this trend can be an interesting opportunity thanks to the proximity to Geneva, the region's economic dynamism, and its exceptional quality of life.

A reliable internet connection, a comfortable workspace, a well-presented listing, and appropriate pricing can be enough to make a property more attractive to this clientele.

But as with any rental strategy, success relies above all on a solid understanding of the market and rigorous management.

Do you own an apartment or house in the Pays de Gex and want to develop its rental potential?

At IZIX Conciergerie, we help you define a strategy tailored to your property and optimize its performance for short-term rentals.

Discover our profitability simulator online or contact our team directly to discuss your project.