UN Tourism has partnered with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) to launch a new set of international awards recognising initiatives that drive sustainability, innovation and social impact within the booming sports tourism sector. This initiative aims to highlight exemplary practices that align with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
The sports tourism market reached a value of $609 billion in 2023 and is projected to surge to $2.3 trillion by 2032, making this initiative timely for the travel trade looking to position themselves in a high-growth segment.
The inaugural awards feature four distinct categories designed to spotlight diverse areas of excellence; most sustainable sport event; community impact in sports tourism; innovation in sports tourism development; and outstanding public-private partnerships in sports tourism.
The launch builds on the strategic partnership established between the two organisations in September 2024, focusing on areas where tourism, sport and sustainable mobility intersect.
Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism Secretary General, stated that the awards "reflect the growing recognition of sports tourism as a strategic driver of sustainable development, social cohesion and innovation." He added, "We are proud to partner with our Affiliate Member FIA to honour the efforts of those making a meaningful impact through sport and tourism."