How can Luxembourg boost its tourism thanks to the gaming industry?

Luxembourg may be a discreet European nation, but it has significant tourism potential. In fact, the country saw more tourists arrive in 2024 than in the previous year. By combining the intrepid video game sector with this already well-established reputation, we could see Luxembourg's tourism sector explode in 2026 and beyond. The Grand Duchy is at a turning point in establishing itself as a leading destination for video game tourism in Europe.

Luxembourg’s tourism economy: current situation and outlook

The Luxembourg tourism sector experienced remarkable growth in 2024, with a 6% increase in tourist arrivals compared to the previous year and an impressive 16% increase compared to 2019, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. In 2024, Luxembourg welcomed around 1.5 million visitors, who spent approximately 3.6 million overnight stays in the country. The Grand Duchy's tourist appeal traditionally rests on its medieval castles, UNESCO World Heritage sites, dynamic cultural offerings, and the picturesque landscapes of the Ardennes and Müllerthal regions.

France offers a valuable model in terms of video game-related tourism. The French government has developed a comprehensive national strategy for eSports, positioning video games as both a cultural pillar and a tourism driver. This strategy has paid off. France hosts major video game events throughout 2025, including EVO Nice — the most prestigious fighting game tournament in the world — and numerous regional festivals. These events attract thousands of international participants.

Luxembourg has all the assets to replicate this success. Thanks to its strategic location in central Europe, excellent infrastructure, multilingual population, and proven ability to host international events, the Grand Duchy can position itself as an essential destination for gaming.

Online gambling remains an underdeveloped sector in Luxembourg. Why not consider easing gambling laws to boost online gaming, similar to the online casino sector in Belgium? The goal would eventually be to host global competitions in poker, blackjack, and other such games.

The idea is not to build something from scratch, but to strategically organise and promote existing assets while attracting high-profile gaming events capable of generating substantial tourism revenue.

Strategic advantages to attract gaming events

Despite the small size of its gaming industry, Luxembourg has undeniable assets for attracting gaming events and tournaments.

Geographic location and connectivity in central Europe

Luxembourg’s location in the heart of Western Europe makes it exceptionally accessible to international participants. The European Convention Center Luxembourg (ECCL) is just 7 km from the airport and less than 3 km from Luxembourg City’s central train station. This proximity allows participants from major European cities to reach Luxembourg within hours. Additionally, its borders with France, Belgium, and Germany offer direct access to large gaming communities in those countries.

World-class event infrastructure

The ECCL features state-of-the-art meeting rooms and is located at the heart of the Luxembourg Convention Park. It is within walking distance of 785 hotel rooms, 12 bars and restaurants, and more than 74 meeting and event spaces. The convention park includes six high-quality buildings offering flexible space for up to 1,300 people for conferences and 2,000 for receptions.

For larger video game festivals, Luxembourg also offers LuxExpo The Box, which has already successfully hosted the Luxembourg Gaming Xperience fair. These venues provide the technical infrastructure essential for modern eSports tournaments, including high-speed internet, professional AV systems, and modular space configurations. Their experience hosting EU meetings ensures compliance with the highest international standards.

Existing gaming community and events

Luxembourg has already begun developing its gaming ecosystem. The Luxembourg Gaming Xperience (LGX) made a strong return in 2024 for its 7th edition, held on September 28–29 at LuxExpo The Box, offering two full days of immersion into the world of video games, eSports, and geek culture. The PEM Gaming Festival provides gaming experiences centered on video games and eSports, including finals of the POP Esports Masters in League of Legends, Valorant, and Rocket League.

Government measures to attract leaders in the gaming industry

To make Luxembourg a recognised gaming destination, strategic government intervention is essential. While Luxembourg has not yet developed a comprehensive strategy for the gaming industry comparable to France's national approach, several key measures could quickly improve its position.

Establishing dedicated funding for the gaming industry

The LVGA (Luxembourg Video Game Association) wants to strengthen local production capabilities. It envisions collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Film Fund to create a dedicated funding system supporting Luxembourg studios and talent, encouraging ambitious projects, and giving access to resources, mentorship, and international networks. This is the industry's main request, and government action in this regard would send a strong signal of support.

Developing specific visa and work permit procedures for the gaming sector

Luxembourg should simplify visa procedures for:

• Professional eSports players and teams participating in tournaments in Luxembourg
• Video game industry professionals attending conferences, conventions, and business events
• International game developers collaborating with Luxembourg studios
• Content creators, streamers, and gaming media covering events held in Luxembourg

Given Luxembourg’s experience handling complex visa requirements in the finance sector and with EU institutions, adapting these processes for gaming professionals would be relatively simple and signal strong national commitment.

Integrating gaming into national tourism promotion

Luxembourg for Tourism (LFT) should incorporate video game events into its international marketing campaigns. This includes:

• Creating dedicated gaming tourism packages combining event participation with traditional attractions
• Partnering with influencers and content creators in the gaming sector to showcase Luxembourg as a destination
• Creating game-themed tourism materials highlighting locations, events, and gaming communities in Luxembourg
• Coordinating with neighbouring countries to integrate Luxembourg into a broader European gaming tourism circuit

Tourism authorities must recognise that video game enthusiasts often differ demographically from traditional cultural tourists.

Creating public-private partnerships

The success of gaming tourism requires coordination between government entities and private sector actors. Luxembourg should establish formal partnerships between:

• The Ministry of Culture and the LVGA, to align policies with industry needs
• Tourism authorities and video game event organisers, to maximise impact on visitors
• Educational institutions and game companies, to develop local talent pools
• Venue operators and tournament organisers, to ensure facilities meet international standards

LVGA president Fred Neuen has stated that the goal is to make Luxembourg a place where game creators feel supported, visible, and recognised as artists and entrepreneurs. To achieve this, it’s vital to create links between creators, institutions, and players — and government support for these connections is essential.