Thursday’s Travel Summit to Discuss Tourism and Esports Industry in the Triangle

Esports and tourism collide at the Raleigh Convention Center as industry leaders gather for the Esports Travel Summit. Visit Raleigh and Northstar Meetings Group are hosting the event, aiming to connect organizers of in-person esports events with cities and venues across the country.

The Triangle area is already reaping the benefits of the growing esports industry, with game publishers, major tech companies like Lenovo, and various colleges heavily involved. Loren Gold, Vice President of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, highlights the positive impact on the local tourism economy.

Caleb Smith, CEO of NC Esports Academy, emphasizes the significant economic impact of large esports events on the hospitality industry, with more people staying in hotels and dining out. Even smaller events make a difference in boosting the local economy.

The summit leaders are optimistic about spreading the enthusiasm for esports to other regions in the country. Jason Gerwitz, Vice President of Northstar Meetings Group, notes the increasing interest from organizations and cities in hosting esports events.

The summit will continue through tomorrow, with a high school esports championship set to take place at the Raleigh Convention Center over the weekend. The event serves as a testament to the growing popularity and economic potential of esports in the tourism industry.