In 2024, about 22.8% of employees, or 35.13 million people work remotely. It’s no surprise that the remote industry is growing in popularity. Remote work offers many benefits, including hush workcations.

A hush workcation is when employees travel out of town and work remotely without telling their employer they’re gone. Essentially, the individual takes a “secret” vacation while fulfilling their work responsibilities. 

As hush workcations continue to rise, hotels can stay ahead of the curve by ensuring they meet the needs of remote workers by offering relevant products and services to guests working remotely. 

Ways Hotels Can Attract Remote Workers Taking Hush Workcations

An ideal workcation allows workers to seamlessly complete their workday while taking some time to unwind in their new location. This rise of hush workcations creates an opportunity for hotels to expand their market and create workcation opportunities for remote employees. But how can hotels adapt to attract remote workers?

To attract remote workers, hotels must consider what guests need to complete their workday without interruption.

Develop a strategic marketing plan

A strategic marketing plan is a document that outlines the organization’s goals, actions, and priorities to achieve these goals. For hotels transitioning their business to adapt to the needs of remote workers, a strategic marketing plan lays the foundation for success.

When done effectively, hotels can deepen their understanding of their target audience, gain a competitive advantage, and enhance brand awareness.

Hush Workcations

Your marketing plan should include a detailed analysis of your target market, allowing you to tailor your marketing efforts, products, and services. It should also include an approach to providing products or services to your remote workers. Knowing how to offer products and services affects how well you reach and engage your audience.

Having a detailed outline of how you will allocate financial resources for your marketing efforts is also crucial. Additionally, conduct market research to ensure you understand your customers, competitors, and the demand for your products and services.

Ultimately, a strategic marketing plan will help highlight features and benefits your hotel offers to remote workers. The more detailed your marketing plan is, the more likely you are to reach your guests’ pain points.

Highlight high-speed internet service

One feature that is a must for remote workers is high-speed internet service. According to The Federal Communications Commission, high-speed internet is defined as 100 megabits per second and upload speeds of 20 megabits per second. Hotels should aim for this or better as it ensures workers can communicate effectively, use cloud-based applications, access important files, and effectively collaborate with their team.

When hotels offer high-speed internet service, remote workers can feel confident they have the service they need to work efficiently. Here are a few key reasons high-speed internet is essential on a hush workcation:

  • Real-time communication: Most remote workers video conference throughout the day. For a seamless experience, workers need access to a high-speed internet service with minimal lag, and clear audio and video. 
  • Cloud-based access: Most companies provide several cloud-based applications to employees. Remote workers need to be able to access essential data through cloud storage and applications to ensure productivity.
  • Transferring files: Remote workers need high-speed internet for increased file transfer efficiency.
  • Collaboration tools: Collaboration is key for companies. Remote workers need to be able to access collaborative platforms for seamless interaction.

Dedicated workspaces

A dedicated workspace is a specific area for an individual or team to work without distractions. Hotels can attract workers on a hush workcation by creating several workspaces to accommodate different work needs.

For instance, a private workspace is great for independent workers who need in-room workstations for quiet and productivity. Shared co-working loungers are also an excellent addition to hotels. Co-working lounges are typically equipped with printers, scanners, and basic office essentials.

Work-focused packages

Hotels can offer work-focused packages to attract remote workers planning a hush workcation. Ideally, these packages should include work-related amenities that will enhance productivity, such as breakfast, gym access, access to meeting rooms, and premium internet service.

Remote workers often look for several amenities to ensure they can work without disruption while enjoying their time in a new city. Creating packages makes it easier for remote workers to understand what your hotel offers and will motivate them to stay at your hotel during their trip.

Flexible check-in/out

When taking a hush workcation, it’s essential for workers to be timely when checking in to begin their workday and have room to check out depending on when their workday ends.

With that said hotels that can offer flexible check-in and check-out times will entice remote workers who need more freedom to accommodate the needs of their job.

Amenities and Services Most Appealing to Remote Workers

Remote workers taking hush workcations look for hotels with all of the services and amenities they need to work efficiently while being able to enjoy their trip. 

Amenities like premium internet services to maintain a strong connection throughout the workday are essential. Remote workers also benefit from having a dedicated workspace to ensure a comfortable work environment and improve productivity.

But remote workers aren’t just all work and no play. Other amenities and services are at the top of the list, such as having access to local attractions and activities and having the ability to transition seamlessly between work and leisure.

Types of Travelers Most Likely to Engage in Hush Workcations

The hush workcation trend is certainly growing as the market for hybrid and remote jobs continues to rise. Nearly 60% of remote workers has taken a workcation within the last 12 months, with 3 in 4 remote workers feeling more satisfied with their jobs after taking a hush trip. 

While remote employees who take hush trips come from various industries, certain industries are dominating the scene according to research. Greenback Expat Tax Services surveyed 1,000 American remote employees to see who engaged in hush trips.  The top industries they found were: 

  • Education
  • Tech
  • Healthcare
  • Finance
  • Marketing

There are various reasons why remote employees are leveraging the ability to engage in a hush workcation. It gives remote workers the opportunity to enjoy quality time with friends and family.

For adventurous remote workers, it provides a change of scenery and the ability to explore a new city without using vacation time. 

Hush trip assist remote workers who are concerned with a healthy work-life balance with mitigating burnout and improving overall mental well-being.

Impact of Hush Workcations on Traditional Vacation Destinations and Urban Hotels

The rise of hush workcations has significantly impacted traditional vacation destinations and urban hotels. Hush workcations enable employees to work seamlessly while on vacation. As such, employees are less likely to take traditional vacation days, such as during the holiday season. Instead, employees are taking shorter, more frequent “hush trips”. 

With this shift in travel, hotels need to pay attention to peak travel times outside of the holiday window and incorporate a marketing strategy to target remote workers traveling during untraditional travel windows.

According to research, peak travel times aside from the holidays are during the summer months (between June and August). Hotels can look at historical data to pinpoint peak travel times and plan accordingly.

With that said, the rise of hush trips is ultimately having a positive impact on the hotel industry. This specific demographic of travelers allows hotels to tap into new, profitable markets.

Additionally, traditional vacation destinations and urban hotels that adapt to the remote work environment are gaining a competitive edge over their competitors and experiencing an increase in revenue.

Hospitality Brokerage Done Right

NewGen Advisory is the leading hospitality brokerage expert offering a robust suite of services to owners, investors, and lenders. We provide clients with optimal results and superior experience in hotel brokerage and management, maximizing hotel valuation, and distressed asset services. If you’re interested in a dedicated team with property and market insights to manage your hotel, contact us for more information.

Senior Vice President

Kishan Gohel

Kishan is a Senior Vice President at NewGen Advisory, specializing in complex commercial real estate transactions with a particular focus on hotel-to-alternative-use conversions. When the 2020 economic shift created widespread uncertainty around hotel assets, Kishan helped clients — including non-profit organizations and private investors — convert properties into market-rate apartments, affordable and transitional housing, and behavioral health facilities. His ability to manage a transaction from start to finish, anticipating complexity and driving toward a clean close, has made him a trusted advisor for hoteliers and investors navigating non-traditional exits.

Before joining NewGen Advisory in 2019, Kishan founded and ran a corporate DJ business, an experience that sharpened his entrepreneurial instincts, client relationship skills, and ability to read a room — all of which translate directly into how he approaches deals today.

Outside of work, Kishan enjoys spending time with his family, attending car shows, and taking full advantage of the Arizona sunshine.

Associate

Suraj Rama

Suraj Rama joined NewGen Advisory in 2017 as a Junior Analyst and advanced to Associate Agent in 2022, bringing a background that spans hotel operations, transactions, and legal studies.

Growing up in the hospitality industry gave Suraj a strong foundation in day-to-day hotel operations. He deepened that experience through roles at three IHG properties and legal work alongside attorneys representing brands including Choice Hotels, Four Seasons, and Hilton — a combination that gives him a distinctive ability to analyze assets from both an operational and legal perspective.

Suraj graduated cum laude from Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business with a degree in Business Law, and is currently completing his Master’s in Legal Studies with a concentration in Business at ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

Associate

Roshan Bhula

Roshan is an Associate at NewGen Advisory, bringing a background in mechanical engineering from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte alongside deep roots in the hospitality industry. Having grown up around hotel operations, he developed an early understanding of the business that now informs his approach to every client engagement.

Before transitioning to brokerage, Roshan held roles in product development and management across several global business lines, where he built strong financial modeling and underwriting skills spanning multiple real estate asset classes — experience he has further deepened through personal investments in commercial and multifamily properties.

Based in Charlotte, NC, Roshan has watched the city evolve from a regional hub into a national destination, giving him a grounded appreciation for market growth and long-term investment potential.

Outside of work, he enjoys soccer, car meet-ups, cooking, and spending time with friends, family, and any body of water he can find.

Marketing Manager

Jourdyn Wigg

Jourdyn leads the strategic marketing initiatives for NewGen Advisory, overseeing brand development, market positioning, communications, and business growth efforts across the firm.

With more than a decade of experience in marketing and business development, Jourdyn specializes in building brands, creating demand-generation strategies, developing thought leadership programs, and executing integrated marketing campaigns that drive measurable business results. Her expertise spans digital marketing, public relations, content strategy, events, social media, lead generation, and corporate communications.

At NewGen, Jourdyn is responsible for shaping and executing the firm’s marketing strategy, ensuring consistent brand visibility across all channels while supporting advisors, clients, and strategic initiatives nationwide. She works closely with leadership to develop campaigns, elevate industry presence, strengthen client engagement, and position NewGen as a trusted advisor within the hospitality investment sector.

Jourdyn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Media Studies from Arizona State University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis in Marketing from Grand Canyon University.

Most mornings you’ll find Jourdyn in the gym before sunrise and spending time with her husband and children. 

Pipeline & Transaction Assistant

Allysia Howerton

Allysia Howerton joined NewGen Advisory in 2026 as a Pipeline & Transaction Assistant, relocating from St. Louis, MO to Arizona to take on the role. She brings a background spanning property management, client services, sales, and administrative leadership, with a track record of managing complex workflows and keeping transactions moving efficiently from inception to close.

Known for her organization, attention to detail, and relationship-driven approach, Allysia supports transaction management, pipeline coordination, and day-to-day brokerage operations — and is passionate about growing her career within the hospitality real estate industry.

Outside of work, she enjoys discovering new coffee shops and restaurants, traveling to experience new cultures, and spending time with her dogs.

Real Estate Assistant

Josie Numendahl

2 years

Josie Numedahl joined NewGen Advisory in July 2024 as a Real Estate Assistant (REA). Originally from Iowa, she relocated to Arizona to pursue her education, graduating from Grand Canyon University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Advertising.

Josie began her professional career as a recruiter in the finance and accounting sector, and brings that client-facing, detail-oriented background to her work at NewGen.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking, exploring local coffee shops, and spending time with friends.

2025 · CULTURE AWARD

Senior Accountant

Anthony Lepore

X years

Anthony is the Staff Accountant for NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC, working directly under CFO Michael Lepore to handle day-to-day accounting functions across all NewGen operations.

Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.

NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets.

Prior to joining NewGen, Anthony completed coursework at Paradise Valley Community College before co-founding a family business that produced custom-wrapped die-cast model cars for corporate clients — handling vehicle customization, display stands, and branded packaging. Serving as Director of Operations, he gained hands-on experience in management, production workflows, and running a business from the ground up.

Outside of work, Anthony is a lifelong ice hockey player with a passion for motorsports — particularly motocross and classic cars. Among his favorites: the 1963 C2 Corvette Sting Ray, the 1965 Shelby Cobra S/C, and the 1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda. He hopes to one day own and operate a bookkeeping firm serving small businesses.

Director of Operations

Nicholas Renckens

Nick serves as Director of Operations for NewGen Worldwide, overseeing systems, processes, and cross-entity operations across the firm’s Advisory and Capital divisions. A Minneapolis native, he studied at Denison University and the University of Minnesota before relocating to the greater Phoenix area.

Nick brings over a decade of experience managing high-volume hospitality operations, a background that instilled the precision and process-orientation he applies daily at NewGen. In his current role, he is the administrative backbone of a growing multi-entity organization, keeping its people, platforms, and workflows running in sync.

Chief of Staff

Nycole Gonsalves

X years

Nycole serves as Chief of Staff at NewGen Advisory, where she trains and manages the Real Estate Assistant (REA) team since 2021. She works closely with REAs to ensure agents receive consistent, high-quality support throughout every stage of a deal — from contract to close.

Alongside the Office Manager, Nycole leads onboarding for new agents, REAs, and team members across NewGen Worldwide’s subsidiaries, and has developed a training library to streamline the process for incoming staff. She is also actively involved in evaluating and implementing new platforms to improve agent and REA workflows, while providing leadership with the data needed to monitor KPIs and track revenue goals.

Her background in franchise operations management — spanning startups to scaling franchises — makes her a versatile and valuable member of the NewGen team.

Chief Financial Officer

Michael Lepore

20+ years

Michael is the Chief Financial Officer of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment and capital solutions firm focused on creative, flexible solutions. Michael and his team oversee day-to-day accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling across all NewGen operations.

Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.

NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets.

Prior to joining NewGen, Michael built over 20 years of experience in accounting, tax, and operations management serving small to mid-sized businesses. He holds active CPA licenses in both New York and Arizona. His career spans public accounting — including a role as Audit Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers — as well as private accounting and business ownership, giving him a broad, hands-on command of accounting and management functions. That dual perspective allows him to bring both tax strategy and business strategy to bear when evaluating financial decisions. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA).

A proud Italian-American, Michael lives in Scottsdale with his wife, Patty, and their three children, Alyssa, Anthony, and Joey. Outside of work, he coaches ice hockey and has a passion for cooking Italian food.

Co-Founder and Principal

Kyle Walker

15+ years

Kyle is a co-founder, Principal, and Chief Executive Officer of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment firm focused on creative, flexible solutions. Beyond his broad responsibilities as CEO, Kyle’s primary focus is leading Green Card Fund, developing and implementing capital solutions domestically and internationally, and identifying attractive investment opportunities.

Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.

NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets — a natural evolution of NewGen Worldwide’s business model, built on business partners Girish Patel and Dan Rama’s lifetime experience in the industry. Kyle’s financial acumen and creative approach to structuring deals help NewGen Advisory clients identify and secure profitable opportunities.

Kyle earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Arizona State University with a focus in Business and Urban Planning. He has long been involved with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council’s (GPEC) International Leadership Council, and in 2016 was elected to the Board of Directors of Invest in the USA (IIUSA), the national EB-5 trade association, where he actively contributes to legislative reform efforts and the permanent reauthorization of the EB-5 program.

Kyle splits his time between company offices in Phoenix, AZ and Washington, D.C. Outside of work, he is an avid reader, global traveler, and snowboarder — and after logging over a million miles as a passenger, he has recently taken to the cockpit, learning to fly himself.

Co-Founder and Principal

Girish Patel

40+ years

Girish Patel is a co-founder and Principal of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment and capital solutions firm focused on creative, flexible solutions across hospitality and healthcare. Among his core responsibilities are leading strategic initiatives, overseeing financial management, and driving real estate investment acquisitions.

Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.

NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets — a natural evolution of NewGen Worldwide’s business model, grounded in Girish’s and business partner Dan Rama’s lifetime experience in the industry. Having grown up in his family’s hotel business as an immigrant, Girish developed a bottom-up understanding of hospitality — mastering operations before becoming an investor, lender, and consultant. That ground-level perspective, tested across multiple economic cycles, underpins his 20+ years as a successful business owner and brings a distinctive depth of insight to NGA’s clients and investors.

Committed to continuous learning and giving back, Girish established the RC Patel Memorial Scholarship for students pursuing careers in real estate investment. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Global Ties Arizona, an organization that strengthens international relationships by making exchange programs more impactful.

Co-Founder, Principal and Managing Broker

Dinesh “Dan” Rama

40+ years

Dan is a co-founder and Principal of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and its subsidiaries Green Card Fund, LLC and NewGen Advisory, LLC — a diversified real estate investment and capital solutions firm focused on creative, flexible solutions. His primary role is leading NewGen Advisory and serving as its Designated Broker in Arizona.

Green Card Fund (greencardfund.com) is a USCIS-recognized EB-5 Regional Center authorized to raise foreign capital for domestic development projects. EB-5 investors fund community-need projects and receive an immigration benefit in exchange for job creation. To date, GCF has facilitated over $125 million in foreign direct investment, delivered immigration benefits to more than 250 families, and created over 2,500 jobs in healthcare, education, and hospitality across Arizona and Washington, D.C.

NewGen Advisory (newgenadv.com) is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets — a natural evolution of NewGen Worldwide’s business model, built on Dan’s and business partner Girish Patel’s lifetime experience in the industry. Throughout his career, Dan has been involved in the disposition of over $600 million in hospitality assets, advising clients on acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures across the United States.

Dan began his career as a hotel operator and owner in 1994 following his studies at the University of Arizona, going on to build a portfolio as a franchisee of Red Brick Pizza, Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn, and Comfort Suites. He holds General Manager Certifications from Holiday Inn, Motel 6, and Days Inn, and is a Certified Hotel Owner (CHO) with a Certification for Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA).

Beyond his company responsibilities, Dan is an active industry voice. He serves as an Ambassador with the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) — the largest hospitality owners association in the U.S. — and previously served as its Southwest Regional Director. He also sits on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association (AZLTA).

Dan lives in Gilbert, AZ with his wife, Chetna, their son Suraj, and their daughter Sonya. Outside of work, he enjoys golf and cheering on the Denver Broncos.

Chief Executive Officer · Chief Legal Officer

Suraj Bhakta

40+ years

Suraj is the Chief Legal Officer of NewGen Worldwide, LLC and a member of its senior leadership team, where he contributes to the operational management and strategic planning of the company and its subsidiaries — including Green Card Fund and NewGen Advisory. NewGen Worldwide is a diversified firm engaged in real estate investments, creative capital solutions, and advisory services for the entrepreneurial investor.

Suraj first served as outside counsel for Green Card Fund and NewGen Worldwide from 2008 to 2014 before joining the organization as Chief Legal Officer. In this role, he leads the company’s legal, regulatory, and corporate governance functions, with responsibility spanning real estate, risk management, contractual relations, and investment strategies. He also oversees the business administration of NewGen Advisory, a full-service commercial real estate brokerage specializing in hospitality assets.

Prior to joining NewGen, Suraj was Managing Partner of Bhakta & Associates, PLLC, a full-service business law firm where he represented a broad range of clients across acquisitions and sales, corporate structuring, contracts, franchise law, development and construction, and equity and debt financing.

A native of Ohio, Suraj graduated from The Ohio State University in 1999 with a B.S. in Business Administration and earned his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University in 2002. He resides in Peoria, AZ with his wife, Neena, and their two sons, Shiv and Soham.