We explore how gaming and esports are driving global tourism, with Qiddiya City hosting millions of visitors for the 2025 Esports World Cup. Meanwhile, agentic AI and blockchain are set to transform travel bookings with verifiable digital identities, enabling secure, personalized experiences.
We explore two major trends reshaping travel: the booming influence of gaming and esports tourism, and the rise of agentic AI and blockchain solutions for secure, hyper-personalized bookings.
Esports Tourism on the Rise
Gaming and esports are no longer niche hobbies—they’re becoming major drivers of global tourism. By 2025, esports tourism is expected to attract hundreds of millions of dedicated fans. Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a world-class hub with its massive gaming and esports district, part of the ambitious “city built for play” vision.
Events like the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh are already demonstrating the cultural and economic impact of the industry. The tournament welcomed over 3 million visitors on-site and 750 million online viewers, showcasing how gaming can attract international travelers and foster cross-cultural communities. Beyond tournaments, the gaming ecosystem encourages immersive travel experiences, from esports-themed attractions to interactive experiences that appeal to fans of all ages. For property managers and travel operators, this represents an opportunity to tap into a passionate, global audience with tailored accommodation and event packages.
Agentic AI and Digital Identity in Travel
On the technology front, agentic AI is poised to transform the way travel is booked. Autonomous AI agents will increasingly handle end-to-end travel arrangements, leveraging verified digital identities to ensure secure and accurate bookings. This shift introduces new possibilities for personalization while raising important considerations around trust, fraud prevention, and distribution.
Blockchain-powered platforms, like Camino Network, are being developed to authenticate traveler identities, process payments, and validate bot activity. By combining AI with blockchain, travel providers can offer hyper-personalized, secure experiences while reducing the risk of fraud and inefficiency. Open standards and decentralized systems are expected to play a key role as OTAs, suppliers, and other stakeholders adapt to this evolving landscape.
Final Thoughts
The convergence of esports tourism and AI-driven booking solutions marks a new era in travel. Gaming isn’t just entertainment—it’s an international draw that drives bookings and economic growth. Meanwhile, agentic AI and blockchain promise to make travel safer, more personalized, and more efficient than ever. Operators who understand these trends and embrace innovative solutions will be well-positioned to capture emerging markets and deliver experiences that resonate with the next generation of travelers.
