UN Tourism and E1 Series promote sustainable mobility and tourism through sport

The agreement was signed by E1 Series founder and chairman Alejandro Agag, who has also been appointed UN Special Ambassador for Tourism for Sport, and Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Secretary-General for Tourism, on race day at the E1 Monaco.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organizations in Monaco, considered an epicenter of sustainable maritime mobility, demonstrates their mutual commitment to promoting clean maritime transport technologies. This, in turn, will boost the development of sustainable sports tourism worldwide.

The E1 races around the world, visiting iconic locations from Jeddah and Doha to Dubrovnik, and will soon travel to Lagos, Africa, and then Miami for the 2025 season finale.

UN Secretary-General for Tourism Zurab Pololikashvili said: "The intersection of sport and tourism offers immense potential for sustainable development, economic growth, and the promotion of cultural exchange. Our partnership with E1 Series is a step forward in realizing this potential."

Accompanying the Secretary-General at the signing of the agreement, E1 Founder and Chairman Alejandro Agag said: “This agreement between E1 and UN Tourism is a pivotal moment for sustainable sports tourism. Following my recent recognition for championing electric mobility, I am even more committed to demonstrating how sport can be a powerful catalyst for positive environmental change. By combining E1’s electric marine technology with UN Tourism’s global reach and expertise, we can create memorable fan experiences while also contributing to the protection of our marine environments.”

His appointment underscores Mr. Agag's dedication to driving sustainability in motorsport, promoting initiatives that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Specifically, UN Tourism and E1 Series will collaborate on initiatives that contribute to achieving SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Together, the two organizations will raise public awareness and promote actions in marine conservation, prioritizing the protection and restoration of the diversity of coastal and marine ecosystems.

Turismo deportivo: creciente relevancia
Cada año, más de 180 millones de turistas internacionales viajan para asistir a eventos deportivos en todo el mundo, desde torneos globales hasta locales. El deporte conecta a personas a través de fronteras y culturas, creando experiencias compartidas y legados perdurables.

Con un valor aproximado de 685 000 millones de dólares en 2024 y una tasa de crecimiento anual del 17,5 %, el turismo deportivo es uno de los sectores de mayor crecimiento dentro del turismo. Los sectores turístico y deportivo están estrechamente vinculados por su impacto social y cultural, así como por su papel en la diversificación económica y el desarrollo social.

La colaboración entre ONU Turismo y E1 Series contribuirá a mejorar la comprensión del potencial del turismo deportivo.

Fuente: ONU Turismo.