Padel Becoming a Key Player in Sports Tourism Worldwide
Driven by spectacular growth, padel is no longer just captivating on the courts: it is now influencing travel habits. According to the International Padel Federation, this sport is emerging as a true driver of sports tourism, encompassing infrastructure development, international events, and new player expectations.
Global Expansion Changing the Game
Padel continues its rapid rise. According to the International Padel Federation, the milestone of 35 million players worldwide has been surpassed. At the same time, the number of courts has increased by over 15% in a year, now reaching approximately 77,000 courts spread across more than 24,000 clubs.
This growth is not confined to traditional sports structures anymore. Hotels, residential complexes, and resorts are heavily investing in padel, seeing it as an asset to attract a clientele seeking sporting experiences.
The discipline is described as “a global language, a cultural phenomenon”, but also as a model of structured development around a common vision.
Europe Leading the Way, New Markets Emerging
Unsurprisingly, Europe remains the heart of global padel with over 51,000 courts. Following behind, the Americas (18,500 courts) confirm their momentum, especially in Mexico and Florida, while Asia now exceeds 4,500 courts, driven by Saudi Arabia.
In Europe, Spain and Italy emerge as mature markets. But the most notable progress is elsewhere. The Federation highlights several countries to watch: Switzerland (+400 courts), Greece and Austria (+300), as well as Lithuania and Cyprus (+200).
This development is also explained by the flexibility of padel: more compact than tennis, it adapts to areas where space is limited or restrictive, facilitating the emergence of new player communities.
Traveling to Play: A Growing Trend
With the increase in the number of players, a new trend is emerging: traveling with your racket. Padel is becoming a decisive factor in holiday planning.
Luciano Cestari, founder of LC Tennis & Padel Holidays, observes a clear shift in demand:
“In 2021, our offers were divided equally between tennis and padel. In 2026, nine out of ten days will be dedicated to padel.”
Present in the UK, Portugal, and Minorca, he plans to expand his activities in Italy. This evolution reflects a market in full transformation, where padel is becoming a central engine of sports tourism.
Competitions Driving Travel
Beyond recreational play, major competitions play a key role in this dynamic. International circuits now attract players and spectators from dozens of countries.
Among them, the Premier Padel, the FIP Tour, and the global and continental competitions orchestrated by the FIP actively contribute to these flows. Not to forget the announcement of a new amateur circuit in 2026, named FIP Beyond.
These events, held in various destinations from Seville to Kuwait, enhance the allure of padel as a full-fledged tourist product.
Managing Growth
Facing this expansion, sports governance becomes a major issue. FIP President Luigi Carraro emphasizes the need to preserve the identity of padel:
“This growth comes with increased responsibility: preserving the values that make padel unique: accessibility, inclusion, respect, and ensuring that its development is accompanied by a elevation of its culture.”
A clear message at a time when padel, now global, continues to expand its playing field… far beyond the courts.
Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 in Bourgogne. He contributes to the club’s expansion with his energy and curiosity. On Padel Magazine, he shares his “Padelmania” bouncing with skill on all the news of your favorite sport!
