Gaming, e-sports and the IT industry, which are closely related, have the potential to significantly influence the tourism of Montenegro and contribute to its overall economic development, it was assessed at a round table in the Chamber of Commerce (PKCG).
PKCG, in cooperation with the Union of Electronic Sports of Montenegro, organized a round table on the impact of gaming and advanced technologies on the development of tourism and economy in Montenegro.
“The goal was to point out the impact that gaming and advanced technologies have on the development of tourism and the economy in Montenegro, considering the increasing use of modern tools such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, but also the development of gaming, which in recent years has followed everything in our country higher rise”, the announcement states.
The event brought together numerous figures from the world of gaming and technology in Montenegro, both from the public and private sectors, who through their presentations tried to bring together their experiences and observations when it comes to this topic, but also pointed out the importance of following trends and using all opportunities that these industries provide.
The representative of PKCG, Ksenija Đukanović, said that the round table was organized recognizing the importance that gamer culture and industry have achieved in the world, but also in our environment and on our market.
According to her, the gaming industry is expanding every day and covers a wide range of products from technological products to marketing brands worth millions.
Đukanović specified that in 2021, the estimate of the global gaming industry market was 178 billion USD, while it is estimated that by the end of 2025, that figure will amount to 268 billion USD on an annual basis.
The round table discussed the impact of gaming and advanced technologies on the development of tourism and economy in Montenegro, as well as how to position yourself on the tourist map as an attractive and developed gaming destination.
The President of the Union of Electronic Sports of Montenegro, Filip Šoć, said that gaming, e-sports and the IT industry, which are closely related, have the potential to significantly influence the tourism of Montenegro, but also contribute to its overall economic development.
“The plan is to organize lectures in cooperation with tourism organizations and municipalities, in order to inform the population and business companies about the ways in which the gaming industry can affect the tourism of a country,” said Šoć.
Šoć assessed that the organization of championships and tournaments in e-sports outside the winter and summer seasons would significantly contribute to the growth of tourism in less visited months.
According to him, e-sport is currently the fastest growing industry in the world, and Montenegro has a huge potential to become a boot camp destination for training e-sport teams from all over the world.
This concept also attracts digital nomads, who want to work and travel at the same time.
During the discussion, it was assessed that, with the proper direction of resources and investment in infrastructure, Montenegro has the ability to attract teams from all over the world, as well as all those interested in the gaming industry.
It was established that this growing sector should be taken into account and use all the advantages it provides, in order to achieve positive effects on the economy and attract new forms of tourism.
“The organization of prestigious e-sports events, such as European championships, also plays a key role in strengthening the reputation of Montenegro as a gaming destination. It is planned that Montenegro will host another European championship next year, which will attract players and media from all over Europe. This will increase tourist activity and generate income during the off-season,” the announcement states.
The participants of the meeting pointed out the problem of frequent identification of the gaming industry only with playing video games, even though they amount to only five percent of the entire field. This industry encompasses a wide range of business opportunities, including game design, software development, technology support, marketing, streaming, and many other industries.
They agree that this opens up space for young people to develop and create new employment opportunities in the high-tech sector.
“To take advantage of the potential of gaming and e-sports, Montenegro must continue investing in infrastructure, education and support for the local gaming community. This includes developing specialized facilities and venues for hosting tournaments, supporting local gaming organizations and educating young talent. It is also important to strengthen the links between educational institutions and the industry, in order to ensure that young people are educated for the needs of the gaming sector”, the statement added.
At the round table, it was assessed that through the development of this industry, the country can attract new visitors, create new jobs and promote its natural and cultural resources.
“With proper focus and support, Montenegro can become recognized as one of the leading gaming destinations in the region and attract the attention of the global gaming community,” the announcement concludes.
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