Pickleball has been around for decades, but it’s only recently that the sport has gained significant traction in the United States. With an estimated 50 million Americans having played pickleball or held a paddle in the last year, it’s clear that the sport is on the rise. The question is, what’s driving this newfound popularity? The answer lies in a combination of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrity involvement, and the sport’s inherent social and physical benefits.

The COVID-19 Effect: A Renewed Desire for Socialization and Outdoor Activities

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on people’s lives, forcing many to stay indoors and limit social interactions. As a result, there’s been a renewed desire to socialize and engage in outdoor activities. For many, pickleball has become the perfect outlet. The sport is easy to learn, can be played outdoors, and promotes social interaction, making it an ideal choice for those looking to reconnect with others and enjoy some fresh air.

Celebrity Involvement: Bringing Pickleball into the Spotlight

Another factor contributing to pickleball’s rise in popularity is the involvement of celebrities. Andy Potanin, an investor in Destination Pickleball, recalls attending the Major League Pickleball (MLP) opening night, where he had the opportunity to validate the industry and meet top players. Just six months later, celebrities began buying teams, and pickleball surpassed tennis in Google searches for the first time. This celebrity endorsement has undoubtedly helped bring the sport into the mainstream and piqued the interest of many potential players.

The Social and Physical Benefits of Pickleball

Pickleball isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it also offers numerous social and physical benefits. The sport encourages teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship, making it an excellent choice for people of all ages and skill levels. Additionally, pickleball provides a low-impact workout that can help improve cardiovascular health, balance, and coordination.

The Changing Landscape of Travel: How COVID-19 and Technology Have Reshaped the Industry

With 13 million flights per year from the US to Mexico, it’s no surprise that travel has become an integral part of the pickleball experience. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the travel industry, with flights now being booked programmatically and an increasing reliance on travel agents to interface with hotels. This shift in the way people travel has created new opportunities for pickleball enthusiasts seeking unique experiences and destinations.

The Advent of Programmatic Flight Booking

In the wake of COVID-19, the way we book flights has changed drastically. Programmatic flight booking allows for a more streamlined and efficient process, enabling travelers to find the best deals and routes with ease. This technology has made it easier than ever for pickleball players to plan their trips to international destinations, ensuring they can focus on their game and enjoy their time away from home.

The Importance of Travel Agents in the New Travel Landscape

As the travel industry continues to evolve, the role of travel agents has become more critical than ever. With their expert knowledge and connections within the industry, travel agents can help pickleball players navigate the complexities of international travel, from booking flights and accommodations to arranging transportation and activities. By working with a trusted travel agent, pickleball enthusiasts can ensure their trip is seamless and stress-free, allowing them to focus on their passion for the sport.

The Future of Pickleball and Travel: A Match Made in Heaven

As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, the sport’s relationship with the travel industry will only strengthen. With more people discovering the joys of pickleball, the demand for unique and exciting destinations will increase, creating new opportunities for both the sport and the travel sector.

Expanding the Pickleball Experience: New Destinations and Opportunities

As pickleball gains more followers, the appetite for new and exciting destinations will grow. This presents a unique opportunity for the travel industry to tap into this market and offer tailored experiences for pickleball enthusiasts. From luxury resorts with state-of-the-art facilities to immersive cultural experiences in exotic locations, the possibilities for pickleball travel are endless.

The Impact of Travel on Pickleball Tournaments

A significant aspect of the growth of pickleball is the increasing number of players participating in tournaments. It’s estimated that 60% of pickleball tournament players travel out of state to compete, highlighting the strong connection between the sport and the travel industry. This surge in traveling players has led to a growing demand for pickleball facilities at various destinations, including hotels and resorts.

Furthermore, the efficient use of space in pickleball court construction allows for more players to participate in events. With just eight pickleball courts, a tournament can support up to 400 players, making it an attractive option for venues looking to accommodate large groups of guests.

The Role of Hotels and Resorts in the Pickleball Boom

Hotels and resorts should consider converting at least half of their tennis courts to pickleball courts to cater to the American market, following the example set by Marriott in the US and Kempinski in Mexico. It’s important for hotels not to make direct comparisons between pickleball and tennis, as the two sports attract different types of players and have distinct learning curves.

The Evolving Professional Pickleball Landscape

The professional pickleball landscape is evolving, with organizations like MLP, PPA, APP, and DUPR leading the way and 16 professional MLP teams now in existence. The pickleball industry is ripe for investment and innovation, offering entrepreneurs the chance to create new business models and spread awareness of the sport.

Major Sponsorship and a Bright Future for Pickleball

Major sponsors like Coca-Cola have yet to enter the pickleball scene, but Andy Potanin predicts that this will change in 2023. Post-COVID travel technology advancements now allow for programmatic flight bookings, though travel agents remain essential for interfacing with hotels using older systems without APIs.

In conclusion, the rise of pickleball can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrity involvement, and the sport’s inherent social and physical benefits. The changing landscape of the travel industry has also played a significant role in the sport’s growth, with new opportunities and destinations becoming available to pickleball enthusiasts worldwide. As more people discover the joys of pickleball, it’s likely that its popularity will continue to grow in the coming years, creating even more opportunities for both the sport and the travel industry.

By embracing technology and innovation, businesses in the travel and hospitality industries can capitalize on the growing demand for pickleball facilities and experiences. From luxury resorts with state-of-the-art facilities to immersive cultural experiences in exotic locations, the possibilities for pickleball travel are endless.

As the professional pickleball landscape continues to evolve, there are ample opportunities for entrepreneurs to invest in the sport and help spread awareness through new business models and innovations. With major sponsorships on the horizon, the future of pickleball looks brighter than ever.

In the coming years, the meteoric rise of pickleball will undoubtedly continue, driven by a combination of factors such as celebrity involvement, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the sport’s inherent social and physical benefits. As more people discover the joys of pickleball, the sport’s popularity will continue to grow, creating even more opportunities for both the sport and the travel industry.

So, whether you’re a pickleball enthusiast, an entrepreneur, or simply someone interested in the future of travel and hospitality, now is the perfect time to get involved in the exciting world of pickleball. Together, we can help shape the future of this amazing sport and create unforgettable experiences for players and fans alike. By capitalizing on the strong connection between pickleball and travel, we can ensure that the sport continues to thrive and expand its reach to new destinations, ultimately benefiting both the pickleball community and the travel industry as a whole.