UNWTO and FIA Expand Partnership to Promote Sustainable Sports Tourism Worldwide

UN Tourism and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), have partnered to advance Sports Tourism on a global scale.

(IN SHORT) The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) have strengthened their partnership to promote sustainable sports tourism globally, signing a new Memorandum of Understanding during the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monza. The collaboration aims to leverage sports events to boost tourism, drive economic growth, and advance sustainability. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has also been appointed as UNWTO’s Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism. The partnership highlights the growing importance of sports tourism, a sector valued at $609 billion, with discussions to continue at the upcoming World Sports Tourism Congress.

(PRESS RELEASE) Madrid, Spain, 2024-Sep-4 — /Travel PR News/ — The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) have taken a significant step forward in their partnership to promote sustainable sports tourism globally. This collaboration was formalized with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monza, Italy.

The MoU underscores the shared commitment of UNWTO and FIA to leverage the power of sports events to drive tourism, foster economic growth, and advance sustainable practices. By aligning their efforts, both organizations aim to highlight the positive impact that sports tourism can have on destinations, while also setting new standards for sustainability in the tourism and sports industries.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the potential of sports and tourism to contribute to sustainable development, cultural exchange, and economic diversification. He described the partnership with FIA as a crucial step in realizing these goals on a global scale.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem echoed this sentiment, highlighting the FIA’s dedication to promoting responsible travel and sustainability. He noted that this partnership is not just about advocacy but also about implementing tangible sustainable practices at FIA events and educating future generations on the importance of sustainability in sports tourism.

The collaboration between UNWTO and FIA builds on a 40-year history of partnership, with FIA serving as a key player in global motorsports and sustainable tourism. Under Ben Sulayem’s leadership, the FIA has been instrumental in driving sustainable initiatives within the world of motorsport, including Formula 1, which attracts millions of international fans and significantly boosts local tourism.

In recognition of his contributions, Ben Sulayem has been appointed as UNWTO’s Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism in the category of “Sport.” This role highlights his ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into motorsport events and promote initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sports tourism, a rapidly growing sector with an estimated value of $609 billion, plays a crucial role in economic development and social progress. The upcoming 3rd World Sports Tourism Congress in Madrid will serve as a key platform for advancing discussions on the future of sports tourism, with FIA expected to play an active role in shaping the dialogue on sustainability and global collaboration.

About the FIA

Founded in 1904, with headquarters in Paris and Geneva, the FIA is a non-profit organisation. It brings together 243 motoring and motor sport club members from 147 countries across five continents. Its Member Clubs represent millions of motorists, mobility users and motor sport professionals and volunteers.

In motor sport, it administers the rules and regulations for all international four-wheel sport, including the FIA World Rally Championship and regional rally championships, to ensure fair, capably regulated and safe events are conducted in all corners of the globe. In the realm of Mobility, the FIA aims to ensure that safe, affordable and clean systems of transport are available to all.

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Source: UNWTO

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