Sažetak | With the emergence of new technologies and the development of existing technology, the
world is one step closer to digitalization every day. Most of the work we do is done by
machines and a large number of jobs are done online. This paper deals with gaming, a recent
phenomenon whose characteristics and elements are used in various aspects of tourism and
other activities, in order for them to be performed more efficiently or to introduce game-like
elements in these same activities. Gamification or the introduction of game elements has been
practised for a long time, and we can find them in almost any field of work. Specifically, in
the field of tourism, gaming has achieved great success. Museums, exhibitions and city tours
have developed a lot due to gaming, giving challenges and tasks in a fun way. The
digitization of tourism has provided many people with experiences that greatly change their
views on tourism. The offer for tourists is also undergoing a transformation, which is evident
by the emergence of more and more gaming hotels, cafés and other hospitality
establishments. More teenagers and younger generations are getting involved and travelling
because of gaming. Esports have consolidated into the market with their income and have
proven that games can cumulate as much as, if not more, money than traditional sports. The
great world-famous arenas are quickly getting sold out so that spectators can enjoy the
competitive spirit of teams competing while playing on desktop computers. Their popularity
also comes due to the great accessibility of games, since most of them take place via the
Internet, which can be found anywhere in today’s age. This paper conducted a study using an
online survey questionnaire. The survey aimed to explore how informed people are about
gaming tourism and esports; to explore how much they are willing to travel for video games,
and what opinions they have about gaming in tourism activities and the gaming tourism offer.
With data collected from this research, it can be concluded that the inclusion of gaming in
tourism is a good thing, and that gamified tourist activities and tourism offers are a great
help to tourism as an activity. The research has also proven that people are ready to accept
the changes brought about by esports and their huge contribution to the tourism market. |