Da Nang Pickleball World Cup Boosts Vietnam Golf & Hospitality

Da Nang Hosts Asia's First Pickleball World Cup

Pickleball has established a dedicated market in Vietnam, presenting commercial prospects for sports, tourism, and hospitality enterprises. A notable moment for the sport was the Heineken Pickleball World Cup 2026, held in Da Nang from August 30 to September 6, 2026. This event marked a milestone as the first Pickleball World Cup ever staged in Asia.

According to the Da Nang Portal, the tournament drew nearly 5,000 athletes from 81 countries and territories, serving as both a competitive contest and a networking platform. Beyond the matches, the World Cup featured clinics, a promoters forum, and a market with approximately 200 booths, alongside international exchange activities. This large-scale event demonstrates Da Nang's capacity to integrate sports with tourism and hospitality offerings.

Rapid Player Growth Across Vietnam

The expansion of pickleball in Vietnam extends beyond major tournaments, showing a substantial increase in participation. Research conducted by UPA Asia & YouGov in 2024 indicates a rapid rise in awareness and engagement across the region, with Vietnam standing out. Approximately 88% of surveyed Vietnamese consumers are aware of pickleball, and over 37% have played the game.

The study estimates that Vietnam now has more than 16 million regular players, defined as those playing at least once per month. Brand awareness for pickleball in Vietnam also grew by 152% in 2024, surpassing Malaysia's 132% growth rate. These figures confirm the sport's popularity is driven by a growing player base, generating demand for venues, events, and related services.

Factors Driving Pickleball's Appeal

Several factors contribute to pickleball's quick adoption in Vietnam. Its low barrier to entry allows beginners to learn the sport easily, while those with experience in other racket sports adapt quickly. Beyond accessibility, pickleball aligns with a rising preference among urban consumers for activities that combine physical fitness with social connection.

Players increasingly seek pastimes that fulfil multiple needs simultaneously: physical activity, leisure, social interaction, and relaxation. The sport's flexibility in venue integration is another structural advantage.

Compared to golf, pickleball requires significantly less land and can be introduced across diverse property types, including athletic clubs, residential developments, hotels, and integrated resorts, enabling rapid expansion in urban centres and leisure destinations.

What This Means for Vietnam's Golf and Resort Industry

The momentum behind pickleball in Vietnam directly intersects with emerging consumer preferences for activity-driven travel and social engagement. For Vietnam's golf and hospitality sectors, this trend creates concrete opportunities.

Premier destinations such as Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, which already offer beachfront resorts and dining experiences, can integrate pickleball courts as an amenity. This allows resorts to attract leisure travellers seeking light activity without participating in elite sports, diversifying their offerings beyond traditional golf.

Hotel and resort operators should consider adding pickleball facilities to complement guest rooms and other amenities, potentially drawing a broader demographic of guests and enhancing the overall value proposition of their properties in the coming years.