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Thanks to its rapid rise, eSports has become a major source of tourism in both the USA and the UK. In the former, cities like Los Angeles and New York, have become hotspots for popular cyber sports, attracting thousands of international visitors and enabling CS2 eSports betting to boost local economies. Meanwhile, the UK is emerging as a key player, with London and Birmingham also suited for significant global tournaments.
This article explores the difference in how cyber sports tourism has developed in each country, examining the scale of events and economic contributions, among others. Let's dive in!
eSports Tourism in the US
The impact of cyber sports tourism in America and Great Britain has been significant. However, notable differences exist in how they have leveraged this growing industry. To properly understand these differences, it's necessary to discuss key features guiding each country’s tourism market, starting with the United States.
● Scale and Infrastructure
Thanks to their large-scale infrastructure and facilities, big cities like Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles regularly host the world’s biggest tournaments. These include the League of Legends World Championship and the Overwatch League Grand Finals. Thousands of attendants make it to these occasions from across the globe, facilitating local economies through hotel bookings, restaurant sales, and other related activities.
● Economic Impact
Large-scale cyber sports generate substantial economic benefits. For instance, the 2022 Lol World Championship held in multiple cities across the nation saw sold-out arenas and significant spending by attendees on accommodation, food, and entertainment. Moreover, these impacts extend beyond the events themselves, as cities invest in infrastructure improvements and marketing to host future occasions.
● Community and Culture
The US’ vibrant cyber sports community contributes immensely to its sightseeing industry. Seattle and San Francisco, for example, host events regularly and are known for their local gaming culture, characterized by gaming cafés, eSports bars, and tournaments. The implication is that a lot of interested e-gaming lovers are always welcome here.
● Government and Corporate Support
The two entities above offer significant support to eSports endeavours across America. States and cities typically provide incentives to attract large events, recognizing the potential to enhance their sightseeing appeal. Corporates also invest heavily in the field, whether through team sponsorship or prize pooling. These efforts are mainly dedicated towards tournament attendance.
Cyber Sports Tourism in the UK
While Great Britain may not have adopted eSports as early as their American counterpart, the sport has seen a tremendous rise in appeal within such a short while. Here's how it performs in key measurement metrics.
Growth and Development
While the USA has long been a leader in esports with established infrastructure and frequent major events, the UK is catching up with a more grassroots approach. The latter’s growth is characterized by a strong emphasis on community-driven events and local tournaments. Unlike in America, where large-scale events dominate, Great Britain focuses on building a robust local scene that nurtures talent from the ground up.
Economic Contributions
Cyber sports is becoming a part of the British broader cultural landscape in a distinct way. The cities are incorporating esports into their cultural identity, with initiatives like esports-themed exhibitions in museums and collaborations with local arts organizations. This integration helps attract a diverse audience, including those who might not typically attend gaming events. This will create other opportunities to earn revenue, apart from increased hotel and restaurant demands.
Cultural Integration
eSports events here often coincide with other cultural festivals and activities, creating a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions. For instance, visitors attending tournaments are likely to explore historical sites and local landmarks, contributing to a broader economic impact beyond just the event itself. This contrasts with America, where the economic benefits are more concentrated around the events and the immediate vicinity.
Strategic Initiatives
The strategic solutions in the UK focus on long-term sustainability and community engagement. Organizations like Ukie promote events and invest in educational programs and local clubs. This strategy aims to build a sustainable ecosystem that supports both professional and amateur players. As we've pointed out, the US, on the other hand, tends to prioritize large-scale events and corporate sponsorships, which can sometimes overshadow grassroots development.
The US and UK Have a Different Approach to Cyber Sports Touristry
The potential of eSports in the tourism industry cannot be underestimated, whether in America or Great Britain. However, each nation has a unique way of looking at it. While the former has long been in the field and focuses on event hosting appeal, the latter is catching up but willing to play the long game by incorporating the grassroots.
Each approach has its pros. The US, for instance, has recorded larger revenues from hosting tournaments. The UK, meanwhile, may be behind, but its strategy is getting visitors to check out facilities that aren't even related to cybersports.