Pickleball Tourism: Why South Africa is Becoming a Global Destination
The Global Rise of Pickleball Tourism
Around the world, players are travelling to combine sport and leisure. Resorts in the US and Europe now advertise pickleball alongside golf and tennis. According to the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP), the sport’s global player base has grown into the millions, fuelling travel packages and tournaments abroad.
South Africa, with its mix of natural beauty, affordability, and hospitality, is poised to ride this wave.
Why South Africa?
South Africa offers unique advantages for pickleball tourism:
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World-class venues: Dedicated facilities like Picklers Park in Roodepoort.
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Scenic backdrops: Courts at wine estates, coastal resorts, and safari lodges.
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Affordability: More cost-effective than many European or American destinations.
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Adventure add-ons: Combine pickleball with safaris, wine tours, or Cape Town hikes.
This blend of sport and lifestyle travel is drawing attention from international players and clubs looking for new destinations.
Case Studies of Pickleball Tourism in SA
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Cape Winelands: Some wine estates are exploring pickleball courts as part of leisure offerings, pairing games with tastings and tours.
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Johannesburg & Pretoria: The hosting of the first South African National Pickleball Championships at Picklers Park in June 2025 brought local and international visitors.
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Garden Route Resorts: Hospitality operators are testing pickleball as an activity for international guests, similar to tennis packages.
Building the Infrastructure
For South Africa to attract pickleball tourists consistently, several steps are being taken:
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Dedicated courts: Expansion of facilities in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban.
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Club networks: Growth of organised venues like Foundry Pickleball Club to host events and visitors.
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Events calendar: Plans for annual tournaments, festivals, and mixed social-play weekends.
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Tourism partnerships: Hotels and lodges partnering with clubs to offer bundled packages.
What International Players Want
Pickleball tourists seek more than courts — they want full experiences:
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High-quality courts and gear rentals (e.g. JOOLA Vision II Deluxe Backpack for travelling players).
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Opportunities to meet locals through socials like Pickleball Social Sunday.
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Accessible coaching or clinics to combine travel with skill improvement.
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Nearby leisure attractions to fill non-court hours.
Opportunities for South Africa
If developed strategically, pickleball tourism could:
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Boost local economies through hospitality and retail spend.
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Put South Africa on the global pickleball map.
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Create sustainable jobs in sports, coaching, and event management.
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Encourage cultural exchange through international play.
FAQs
Q: Is pickleball really attracting tourists worldwide?
A: Yes. Resorts in the US, Spain, Portugal and Asia already advertise pickleball as part of their packages.
Q: Where can international tourists play in South Africa?
A: Facilities like Picklers Park, Waverly Tennis Club, and venues in Cape Town and Durban are popular starting points.
Q: Do South African events attract overseas visitors?
A: The 2025 National Championships drew both local and international interest, signalling strong future potential.
Q: Can hotels or lodges add pickleball easily?
A: Yes. Portable nets and taped lines make it simple to trial courts before investing in permanent setups.
The Future of Pickleball Tourism in SA
South Africa is uniquely positioned to become the next big pickleball destination. With world-class courts, breathtaking scenery, and a tourism industry ready to innovate, the opportunity is clear.
If you’re a travel operator, resort, or local club, now is the time to consider pickleball in your offerings. For visitors, it’s the chance to combine unforgettable holidays with the fastest-growing sport in the world.
Explore upcoming events and travel-friendly gear with Pickleball Zone SA — and see why South Africa might be your next pickleball adventure.