YOUNGER generations of conference and incentive travellers might appreciate “me-time” with e-sports back at the hotel room after a day of meetings.
Rather than letting delegates find screen solace in the confines of a guest room, however, conference travel planners may soon be able to source hotels with an e-sports theme to help their digital savvy delegates unwind and bond. Planners might event adapt e-sports to a team building activity or as part of an itinerary.
E-sports hotels are increasing in popularity across China and for one e-sports entrepreneur it’s game on for the trend going global. Guest rooms and leisure areas are kitted out to meet the needs of e-sports enthusiasts as the activity increases in popularity with even local governments providing facilities such as stadiums.
Macao-based Mario Ho, who founded Nasdaq-listed e-sports company NIP Group, is planning one such establishment in Chengdu, Sichuan province.
Ho, son of the late Macao casino tycoon Stanley Ho, revealed at the recent Beyond Expo digital technology conference in Macao that he plans to expand to more than a 100 locations within three years. He said about 95 per cent of the e-sports hotels would operate through a franchise model.
The plans arise from a partnership between NIP Group and Homeinns Hotel Group, which operates budget hotels across China, and is also listed on Nasdaq.
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“For NIP Group, [the joint venture] represents an opportunity to extend our brand into the physical realm of hospitality,” Ho is quoted as saying in 2024.
Ho told a fireside chat at Beyond Expo that he expects e-sports to ‘turn into the NBA in just a few years” referring to the US-based basketball league. He added that there were already 20,000-plus hotels in China with an e-sports theme, but NIP is reported to be targeting upmarket guests.
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NIP is also involved in talent management and events done in partnership with the likes of BYD and Tencent.
Beyond Expo at the Venetian Macao came to a close on May 25, The four-day technology and innovation event covered healthcare, consumer tech and climate tech. Global tech leaders, delegates from startups and investment companies were among the attendees. According to organisers more than 30,000 participants, 1,200 exhibitors and 300 speakers attended Beyond Expo.
