29 August 2024 – Monza, Italy: With Sport one of the fasting growing sectors in tourism, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), has partnered with UN Tourism to advance it at a global scale whilst raising awareness of sustainable practices and the positive impacts on destinations.

As the global governing body for motor sport, the FIA has been a driving force in this space, and this partnership – represented by the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili during the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend in Monza – is the next important step in the federation’s commitment to sustainable tourism and social responsibility.

The collaboration between UN Tourism and the FIA will contribute to advancing the understanding of Sports Tourism’s potential. With an approximate value of $609 billion, and with a 17.5% annual growth rate, it is one of the fastest-growing sectors within the tourism industry, with the tourism and sports sectors closely linked via their impact both socially and culturally and their roles in economic diversification and social development.

Alongside the Memorandum and partnership, Ben Sulayem’s substantial contributions were recognised with his appointment as UN Tourism’s Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism in the category of ‘Sport’. This appointment highlights his dedication to integrating sustainability into motor sport events and activities and his ongoing efforts to promote initiatives that align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, whilst enhancing the global tourism landscape.

FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “This partnership with the UN is a testament to the FIA's unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism and social responsibility. By aligning our global initiatives with the UN's mission, we are not only promoting responsible travel but also setting new benchmarks for sustainability across all FIA events. Our dedication extends beyond advocacy; we are actively implementing sustainable practices, educating future generations, and driving meaningful change in the world of sports and tourism.

“I am honoured on behalf of the FIA to be appointed as an UN Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism. The FIA has been a trendsetter in this field across sport, mobility and tourism. Together with our partners at the UN, I will ensure that the federation continues to focus on delivering vital sustainability solutions for all.”

Since his election to President, the FIA has awarded over 40 new environmental accreditations that focus on promoting eco-friendly practices in motor sport, whilst internally, the FIA has achieved an 8.3% reduction in emissions per employee over the last five years, with the FIA becoming the first sport federation to obtain the status of observer to the UN Climate Change Conference.

The FIA is committed to increasing transparency and accountability around Sustainability, working closely with Members and Championships to develop competitive and sustainable practices and activities whilst focusing on three strategic goals: accelerating climate actions towards net zero, fostering sustainable and innovative solutions, and inspiring sustainable practices.