Can Pickleball Become Malaysia’s Next Sports Tourism Superstar?

Originating as a U.S. backyard game, it has developed into an organized sport with dedicated communities, competitive events, and a distinct lifestyle. 

Individuals are now traveling with their paddles for tournaments, beach getaways, and international league participation, spanning destinations from California to Phuket.

Could Malaysia be Southeast Asia’s next great pickleball tourism destination?

So, here’s the big question: Pickleball has transitioned from a recreational activity to a significant global tourism driver. We may already be halfway there - #Playcation.

Malaysia has a compelling opportunity to establish pickleball as a significant sports tourism draw for five key reasons. This is an urgent prospect that should not be overlooked and here is why.

1. The Global Rise of Sports Tourism 

Across the world, sports tourism has become a billion-dollar industry. 

• Formula One weekends in Emilia Romagna, Italy 
• Golf holidays in Portugal
• Tennis vacations in Caribbean, US
• Muay Thai camps in Thailand

All show how travelers are willing to pay premium prices for a mix of competition, wellness, and unique experiences.

Pickleball is now entering that space - especially in Malaysia, where resorts can immediately tap into offering all-in-one playcation packages. 

These are low-cost, high-frequency trips where players don’t just spectate - they participate.

Image via Instagram

But here’s the twist: Pickleball may be the first new sport in the last 100 years that could enter the elite domain of country club tourism - yet remain inclusive, family-friendly, and accessible.

That makes it perfect for mid-budget tourism with luxury potential - a rare opportunity that Malaysia is poised to deliver.

2. The Tourism Revenue Potential is Bigger Than We Think

The math is compelling. A single 300-person regional tournament can generate RM300,000 - 600,000 in direct spend from hotels, meals, flights, local transport, and registration fees.

Now zoom out: Malaysia already sees 20+ pickleball events per month - from the biggest events like Panas Cup, Alliance KL Open and recently ended Skechers tournament, to some informal, small-scale, and grassroots. 

If we formalize even half of them into tourism-ready circuits, we’re looking at multi-millions in annual economic value.

Add in shopping, sightseeing, spa visits, and F&B - Malaysia’s strength areas, and the true revenue multiplier kicks in. 

This isn’t just an event calendar. It’s a scalable, repeatable, cross-sector economic engine.

3. Why Malaysia Is the Ideal Pickleball Playground

Malaysia already has what most countries are struggling to build from scratch:

• Affordability: Travel, food, and stays cost less here than in Singapore, Japan, or Korea
• Scenic Diversity: From Langkawi’s beaches to Kundasang’s cool highlands
• Hospitality & Friendliness: We’re born lepak-friendly 
• Regional Connectivity: AirAsia and budget flights from all SEA capitals
• Multilingual Advantage: English, Malay, Chinese, Tamil, and dialects, we speak tourist
• Momentum: Dozens of courts, a growing coach network, and early event traction

When you combine warm weather, accessible courts, and viral-friendly venues, you don’t just create a tournament - you create a destination experience.

4. Destination Circuits to Activate Immediately

Let’s turn our national map into a pickleball passport:

• Island Retreats: Langkawi, Redang, Pangkor: Paddle by the beach with resort-style play & chill vibes
• Urban Escapes: KL, JB, Penang: Quick flights, nightlife, and strong brand visibility
• Wellness Highlands: Cameron Highlands, Kundasang: Cool air, serene resorts, wellness tie-ins
• Cultural Circuits: Melaka, Ipoh: Foodie spots + historic charm + weekend playcation appeal

Image via Instagram

Bundle these into a branded series like “Pickle & Chill Malaysia”, and you’ve got a circuit that speaks to every type of traveler - from casual couples to competitive clubs.

 5. Bonus Levers to Accelerate the Movement

• Social Media x Sports: Let’s own the content. Malaysia can become the regional capital of pickleball media. Short-form videos, TikTok rallies, drone shots, influencer matchdays - #PickleballMalaysia could trend fast if we claim the lane early.
• Sponsor & Hotel Bundling: Package play + stay + merch with tourism boards and boutique resorts. Think: resort-branded paddles, court-side samplings, and early check-in for tournament players.
• ASEAN Pickleball Passport: Create a cross-border series - Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia - where players earn “stamps” at each stop and Malaysia hosts the grand finale.

Pickleball isn’t just a sport, it’s an experience. And Malaysia has the location, the culture, the hospitality, and the infrastructure to lead this wave in Asia.

We don’t need massive stadiums. We need smart courts, beautiful backdrops, and bold imagination.

This is Malaysia’s moment to serve, will we smash it, or let it pass?

Game on, Malaysia. Let’s pickle!