Neil Johnson, CMP
For Esports Organizers
Northstar Meetings Group launched the EsportsTravel Summit in 2017, recognizing the business potential of this marketplace to event venues, hospitality providers and destinations. The event is now the world’s largest gathering of esports tournament and video-game event organizers, and the only one focused on the travel side of that industry. The
2024 EsportsTravel Summit will be held May 29–31 in Raleigh, N.C.
Recognizing the swift rise of esports, along with a need for customized expertise among clients and members, Associated Luxury Hotels International has appointed Neil Johnson, CMP, vice president of esports and strategic advising. In doing so, Johnson becomes an executive member of the global sales and marketing organization’s rebranded Strategic Advisory Group.
Esports is one of the fastest-growing verticals in the hospitality industry, noted ALHI president and CEO Michael Dominguez in announcing the appointment. "Neil’s leadership and experience will be a benefit to all of our member hotels as we grow our position as a thought leader in this area," he said.
Expected to attract a global audience of more than $640 million in 2025, esports is a growing force in competitive arenas and global tourism. Johnson will work collaboratively across ALHI’s departments, introducing the luxury market to gaming and esports, and providing advisory services for destinations and DMOs. An industry veteran, he has 20-plus years of experience representing destination marketing organizations in Las Vegas; Los Angeles; and Washington, D.C., in the corporate and association markets.
ALHI Expands Strategic Services Team
Johnson’s role falls within ALHI’s Strategic Advisory Group, formerly known as Strategic Consulting Services. This division provides customized advice and expertise to support the operational and strategic goals of member hotels, customers and preferred partners. Team members share knowledge through speaking engagements, research-backed evaluations, system analysis, coaching and more.
Other ALHI strategic advisors include Dr. Lalia Rach, Armine Terzyan, Neen James, Karen Richarson, Heather Hansen O’Neill, Eric Rozenberg and Sue Hershkowitz-Coore.