In a groundbreaking alliance for the future of global travel and environmental responsibility, UN Tourism and the E1 Series have launched a bold new sustainable sports tourism initiative centered around electric boat racing. Officially unveiled in Monaco—a hub of marine innovation and sustainability—the initiative reflects a dynamic step forward in aligning high-performance sport with clean mobility, eco-tourism, and marine conservation.
The collaboration between the United Nations’ tourism body and the world’s first electric powerboat championship signals a unified commitment to environmental stewardship through the powerful medium of sport. As international travel adapts to a climate-conscious future, this partnership showcases how innovation and entertainment can work hand-in-hand to promote greener lifestyles and inspire responsible travel behaviors.
A Shared Vision for Clean Marine Mobility
The E1 Series represents the cutting edge of sustainable marine motorsport, featuring 100% electric RaceBird powerboats competing across stunning coastal cities worldwide. With races set against iconic backdrops like Jeddah, Doha, and Dubrovnik, and new destinations such as Lagos and Miami confirmed for the 2025 season, the championship brings global visibility to eco-conscious travel.
According to UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, the convergence of sport and tourism is key to unlocking global sustainable development. “Tourism and sport are powerful engines of economic growth and environmental awareness,” he stated. “Together, they have the potential to shape a cleaner, more inclusive future.”
Championing Electric Travel and Ocean Sustainability
The E1 Series offers more than thrilling races; it delivers an immersive platform for environmental education, innovation in electric mobility, and community engagement. With its zero-emission watercraft and commitment to local outreach, the series promotes not only tourism but also long-term investment in low-carbon marine infrastructure, eco-transport solutions, and sustainability initiatives in host cities.
Alejandro Agag, Founder and Chairman of the E1 Series and now UN Tourism Special Ambassador for Sport, emphasized the powerful role of sporting entertainment in creating lasting environmental change. “Our goal is to inspire people through action, speed, and innovation,” Agag said. “The E1 Series is redefining what marine sports can be—exciting, sustainable, and socially impactful.”
Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals
This pioneering collaboration directly supports multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 8: Promoting sustainable economic growth and decent work through tourism.
- SDG 9: Fostering innovation in sustainable infrastructure.
- SDG 11: Encouraging sustainable urban and coastal tourism planning.
- SDG 14: Supporting ocean conservation and responsible marine use.
As part of the broader campaign, UN Tourism and E1 Series will launch educational materials, global events, and community-driven programs to inspire sustainable tourism action among youth, stakeholders, and local businesses in each host destination.
Boosting the Sports Tourism Economy
Sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of global travel, with over 180 million international tourists attending sporting events each year. The market was valued at $685 billion in 2024 and continues to grow at an estimated 17.5% annually. UN Tourism’s involvement signals a strategic intent to shape the trajectory of this booming industry toward environmental responsibility and cultural enrichment.
Unlike traditional sports events, the E1 Series ensures each host destination benefits from long-term exposure, environmental programming, and the chance to showcase local sustainability efforts and marine biodiversity. The initiative also aligns with efforts by host cities to attract environmentally aware visitors and international media coverage as green tourism leaders.
Global Cities Embrace Sustainable Tourism Legacy
From Stockholm to Miami, each E1 Series race location serves as a laboratory for innovation, sustainability storytelling, and legacy-building. The goal is not just to entertain but to embed lasting value—through infrastructure upgrades, electric transit integration, local job creation, and awareness campaigns that outlive the racing spectacle.
“The legacy of this project is about more than just thrilling races,” UN Tourism’s sustainability team noted. “It’s about shifting mindsets, empowering communities, and proving that environmental care and economic success can go hand in hand.”
Host destinations like Dubrovnik and Lagos are already preparing to showcase their marine conservation programs and sustainable tourism infrastructure as part of the upcoming race seasons.
A Blueprint for Sustainable Travel
This global partnership redefines sports tourism for a changing planet. Through the fusion of eco-friendly marine sport and responsible destination marketing, UN Tourism and the E1 Series offer a replicable model for how tourism can support climate action, local economies, and ocean health.
As the world grapples with the urgent realities of climate change, this initiative demonstrates that the future of tourism lies not in mass consumption, but in mindful innovation. Through electric racing, a new narrative of purposeful, sustainable travel is taking root—on water, and across borders.
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