Published on October 3, 2025
In a noteworthy initiative aimed at bolstering awareness of sustainability in sports tourism, UN Tourism, in collaboration with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), has established the UN Tourism Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism. This partnership symbolizes a vital intersection between tourism and sports, directing innovative efforts towards enhancing social impact and fostering green growth.
Formal Recognition of Sustainable Practices in Sports Tourism
The UN Tourism Awards will spotlight achievements across four significant categories: Most Sustainable Sport Event, Community Impact in Sports Tourism, Innovation in Sports Tourism Development, and Outstanding Public-Private Partnerships in Sports Tourism. These distinctions celebrate initiatives that promote sustainability while encouraging the implementation of responsible tourism practices, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Acknowledging the Transformative Power of Sports Tourism
Zurab Pololikashvili, the UN Tourism Secretary General, remarked that these awards encapsulate the growing acknowledgment of sports tourism as a pivotal force for economic development and social unity. “We are proud to partner with our Affiliate Member FIA to honor the efforts of those making a meaningful impact through sport and tourism,” he stated. His comments embody the spirit of sports tourism as a catalyst fostering global cooperation and cultural exchange through shared sporting events and travel experiences.
The collaboration between UN Tourism and FIA is rooted in a long-standing mission to champion sustainable mobility and responsible tourism. This award scheme aims to identify key players in the sports tourism industry who excel at driving innovation, all while prioritizing social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
Categories That Celebrate Sustainable Sports Tourism
Most Sustainable Sport Event
The category of Most Sustainable Sport Event seeks to recognize events that successfully weave environmental sustainability into their operational fabric. Such events incorporate eco-friendly practices, including waste reduction strategies, energy-efficient measures, and sustainable transportation options.
Community Impact in Sports Tourism
The Community Impact in Sports Tourism category celebrates initiatives that significantly uplift local communities. These actions may encompass job creation, local infrastructure enhancement, or promoting social inclusion through sports tourism.
Innovation in Sports Tourism Development
Recognizing the need for evolution in the industry, the Innovation in Sports Tourism Development category highlights groundbreaking projects pushing the boundaries of technology, services, and experiential offerings. This area particularly focuses on fresh ideas and creative solutions that cater to the modern traveler’s expectations.
Outstanding Public-Private Partnerships in Sports Tourism
The Outstanding Public-Private Partnerships in Sports Tourism category is centered around collaborations between government bodies and private enterprises. Such partnerships are essential for infrastructure improvement, local destination promotion, and the development of sustainable tourism opportunities through shared resources and knowledge.
Economic and Social Importance of Sports Tourism
Sports tourism has blossomed into a substantial segment within the global travel and tourism market, with its market value hitting an impressive $609 billion in 2023. Projections suggest an astonishing growth to $2.3 trillion by 2032, fueled by a burgeoning interest in both spectator sports and active participation events such as marathons, cycling races, and fitness competitions.
The UN Tourism Awards are designed not just to capitalize on the economic aspects of sports tourism but also to spotlight initiatives that actively contribute to the economic health of local communities and promote environmental sustainability. This focus aims at moving the sector toward more eco-conscious practices, urging investments that consider both community welfare and planetary health.
The FIA’s Role in Promoting Sustainable Practices
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has been a staunch advocate for sustainable mobility within the sports sector. By partnering with UN Tourism for these awards, the FIA reinforces its commitment to promoting responsible tourism and eco-friendly practices throughout the sports industry.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA President, emphasized the dual role of sports and tourism as drivers of economic growth and cultural exchange. He expressed hope that these awards would not only recognize best practices but also motivate others to initiate positive changes within their realms, emphasizing the potential of sports tourism as a transformative force in underrepresented communities.
Amplifying Global Awareness of Sustainable Sports Tourism
A significant facet of the UN Tourism Awards is their potential to elevate global consciousness about the significant role that sports tourism can play in sustainable development. As the industry expands, the demand for initiatives that advocate for responsible tourism and social equity will also increase. By honoring leaders in the field, these awards encourage stakeholders—including governments, event organizers, and private companies—to adopt similar sustainable tourism models.
The UN Tourism Awards are also poised to act as a showcase for innovative endeavors in sports tourism, inspiring global participation in projects that prioritize sustainability and community development, contributing to a more responsible tourism ecosystem.
Acknowledging Sports Tourism’s Strategic Significance
As the landscape of global tourism evolves, the significance of sports tourism continues to gain prominence. Beyond its economic ramifications, sports tourism fosters cultural exchange, social bonds, and environmental stewardship—all essential pillars associated with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through the recognition of exemplary practices in sports tourism, the UN Tourism Awards contribute to the overarching mission of promoting global sustainability and equity. As the sector continues to flourish, the influence of these awards will resonate, shaping the future of sports tourism as a dynamic engine of cultural, economic, and social development.
Celebrating Innovation and Best Practices in Sports Tourism
The UN Tourism Awards for Sustainable Sports Tourism Excellence mark a pivotal advancement in recognizing and advocating for sustainable tourism practices within the sports sector. With an ever-increasing number of individuals engaging in sports tourism globally, these awards honor those who make the most significant impact, be they event organizers or private-sector collaborators. The coalition between UN Tourism and FIA underscores the growing relevance of sports tourism in the international travel sphere while enhancing its positive outcomes on both local communities and the environments they inhabit. In the quest for a more sustainable future in sports tourism, these awards will establish benchmarks for best practices, paving the way for ongoing collaboration and innovation within the industry.