In a groundbreaking move that blends innovation, sustainability, and global tourism, UN Tourism and the E1 Series have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the E1 Monaco race day. The agreement was formalized by E1 Series Founder and Chairman Alejandro Agag—recently appointed as UN Tourism Special Ambassador for Sport—and Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism.
Held in Monaco, a global hub for sustainable marine mobility, the signing underscores a shared commitment to advancing clean marine transport technologies and positioning sport as a catalyst for sustainable tourism development worldwide.
E1, the world’s first electric boat racing championship, tours iconic destinations—from Jeddah and Doha to Dubrovnik—and is set to expand to Lagos and Miami for its 2025 season finale. These locations not only serve as dynamic race venues but also platforms to spotlight innovation, marine conservation, and sustainable tourism practices.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the significance of this partnership:
“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.”
Echoing this sentiment, Alejandro Agag stated:
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.”
This collaboration will focus on achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
Together, UN Tourism and E1 will work to raise awareness and inspire action for marine conservation, sustainable infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth—especially in coastal communities.
The Rise of Sports Tourism
With over 180 million international tourists traveling annually to attend sporting events, sports tourism is a thriving global industry. Valued at approximately $685 billion in 2024 and growing at an impressive 17.5% annually, this sector plays a crucial role in cultural exchange, community development, and economic diversification.
This new alliance between UN Tourism and E1 Series marks a significant step in exploring and maximizing the impact of sports tourism for people and the planet alike.
