Pickleball: we hear more and more about it in recent years. But what exactly is this sport and why is it also conquering Italy? Let's find out together why pickleball is booming and how the hospitality sector is also responding to this new trend.
What is pickleball?
Pickleball is a sport that originated in the United States in the 1960s. It is played with a racket and a drilled ball on a court similar to badminton. It can be played in singles or doubles and combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis.
The simplicity of the rules and the fast pace make it suitable for all ages. Precisely this accessibility is one of the reasons why it has won millions of fans worldwide.
Pickleball is now an established reality in the United States. According to data from the USA Pickleball Associationthe number of practitioners has grown steadily over the last ten years.
In Italy, too, we are beginning to see the first signs of interest. Numerous sports clubs and gyms are installing the first dedicated courts. Local events and tournaments are helping to spread awareness of the sport among adults and children.
Andre Agassi: the champion who made the pickleball known
Also contributing to the popularity of pickleball was Andre Agassiworld tennis legend. The American champion has taken up the sport in recent years and started to participate in dedicated tournaments and events.
His presence had a considerable media impact. When an icon like Agassi decides to try his hand at a new discipline, public and media attention is inevitable. Thanks to him, many people were introduced to pickleball for the first time.
Why do they like it so much?
There are several reasons for the success of pickleball:
- It is easy to learn, even for those who have never played racket sports.
- It can be played both indoors and outdoors, with small courts.
- It is a dynamic sport, but less physically demanding than tennis.
- It encourages socialisation, as doubles are often played.
These elements make it ideal for people of all ages. This is also why it is spreading rapidly, not only in the US but also in Europe and Italy.
Several local associations and federations dedicated to pickleball have sprung up in recent months. Some cities, such as Milan, Rome and Florence, have already started courses and tournaments for amateurs and professionals.
Pickleball and luxury tourism: a winning card
The success of pickleball does not only concern the world of sport, but also involves the hospitality sector. An interesting example comes from Romewhere the iconic hotel Hassler decided to install a pickleball court on the roof of the facility.
This choice is no accident. The hotel has intercepted the needs of an American clientele that is increasingly passionate about the sport. Offering such an exclusive service means anticipating guests' expectationscreating a tailor-made experience.
In a market as competitive as the luxury hotel industry, standing out is crucial. Adding personalised services in line with international trends is a winning strategy. The case of the Hassler shows how important it is to keep up to date with the fashions and interests of one's target group.
Inspired by this excellent example, many hotels and resorts are considering installing pitches on their premises. This is an investment that can guarantee significant returns, especially among American and Northern European tourists.
In an industry where thehospitality excellence comes from the ability to anticipate customers' wishespickleball proves to be a trump card. Those who know how to seize this opportunity will be able to offer an exclusive experience in step with the latest trends.
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