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The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), dedicated to fostering responsible, sustainable, and accessible tourism, has partnered with E1 Series, the world’s first fully electric raceboat championship, to promote sustainable mobility and sport tourism on a global scale.
This milestone agreement was signed by E1 Series founder and Chairman, Alejandro Agag, who has also been appointed a UN Tourism Special Ambassador for Sport and Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO Secretary-General, during the E1 Monaco race weekend.
The signing took place in Monaco, a recognised hub for sustainable marine innovation, reflecting both organisations’ shared commitment to advancing clean marine transport technologies and promoting sustainable sports tourism worldwide.
E1 Series races in iconic locations such as Jeddah, Doha, and Dubrovnik, with upcoming stops in Lagos and Miami for the 2025 season finale.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said, "The intersection of sports and tourism offers immense potential for sustainable development, economic growth, and the promotion of cultural exchange. Our agreement with E1 Series is a step forward in realising this potential.”
Joining the Secretary-General in signing the agreement, E1 founder and Chairman, Alejandro Agag, also added, "This agreement between E1 and UN Tourism is a pivotal moment for sustainable sports tourism. Following my recent recognition for advancing electric mobility, I'm 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 experiences for fans while helping advance the protection of our marine environments."
His appointment underscores Agag’s dedication to integrating sustainability into motorsport and supporting initiatives aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Together, UNWTO and E1 Series will collaborate on initiatives supporting 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). They will work to raise awareness of marine conservation, promote environmental action, and restore coastlines and marine ecosystems.
The Role of Sports Tourism
Annually, over 180 million international tourists attend sporting events worldwide, from grand global tournaments to local competitions. Sport fosters cross-cultural connections, shared experiences, and long-lasting legacies.
Valued at approximately $685 billion in 2024 with an annual growth rate of 17.5 per cent, sports tourism is among the fastest-expanding sectors within the global tourism industry. Its influence extends socially, culturally, and economically, supporting diversification and social development.
The partnership between UNWTO and E1 Series aims to deepen understanding of sports tourism’s vast potential and promote sustainable practices within the sector.
