UN Tourism, E1 Series Join Hands for Sustainable Mobility and Sports Tourism
In a bold new alliance, UN Tourism and the E1 Series—the world’s first all-electric raceboat championship—have joined forces to promote sustainable mobility and boost sports tourism through global sporting events. The agreement, signed during E1’s Monaco race day, underscores both organizations’ shared vision of a cleaner, more responsible future for tourism and marine mobility.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalized by Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, and Alejandro Agag, E1 Series founder and Chairman, who has also been appointed UN Tourism Special Ambassador for Sport. Monaco, a global symbol of innovation in sustainable marine technology, served as the fitting backdrop for the announcement.
Pololikashvili emphasized the transformative power of sport, stating, “The intersection of sports and tourism offers immense potential for sustainable development, economic growth, and cultural exchange.” Agag echoed this sentiment, calling the partnership a “pivotal moment” in sustainable sports tourism and stressing the role of electric marine racing in advancing environmental action aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The collaboration will focus on 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). Key initiatives will spotlight marine conservation, support clean transport technologies, and raise awareness about protecting coastal ecosystems.
As E1 continues its international tour—from Jeddah and Doha to Dubrovnik, with upcoming races in Lagos and Miami—it brings visibility to sustainable practices in iconic coastal cities. The series exemplifies how sport can act as a platform for climate-conscious tourism and innovation.
With over 180 million international tourists traveling annually for sports events and the sports tourism sector valued at $685 billion in 2024, growing at 17.5% annually, this partnership signals a powerful move toward eco-conscious travel and economic diversification through sport.
Together, UN Tourism and the E1 Series aim to not only shape the future of sustainable tourism but to create a global legacy where sport, technology, and the environment thrive in harmony.
