The first location is set to open in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. He outlined the company’s vision during the 5th Beyond Expo in Macau.
Ho, who is also the founder and largest shareholder of NIP Group, expressed confidence in the growth potential of China’s esports hotel market. The company aims to achieve its expansion goal primarily through a franchising model.
Recognizing the fierce competition in China’s esports sector, Ho emphasized the need for rapid development to avoid being left behind, which prompted the company’s push into the esports hotel segment. To reduce financial pressure, approximately 95 percent of the planned hotels will adopt a franchise model.
Addressing the broader state of the esports industry, Ho noted it is currently undergoing a “winter” and urged industry stakeholders to re-evaluate their growth strategies. He shared that NIP Group has already built an ecosystem encompassing multiple verticals in the esports and gaming space, and that the company continues to broaden its business scope.
Ho also highlighted NIP Group’s recent entry into the Middle East, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia. He noted that Abu Dhabi is developing “a complete esports city” and that the company’s partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office is expected to accelerate its regional growth. He forecast that within the next five years, esports investment in the Middle East will support the emergence of world-class tournaments and elite teams.
Beyond the Middle East, Ho said the company is also eyeing expansion into Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Vietnam, citing their large youth populations and promising market potential.
