FIA and UN Tourism announce first Sustainable Sports Tourism Award winners
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile and UN Tourism have announced the first-ever winners of the Sustainable Sports Tourism Awards, marking a major milestone in promoting sustainability in global sports and tourism.
The awards were presented at a ceremony in Madrid ahead of the ABB FIA Formula E Madrid E-Prix, highlighting initiatives that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and long-term impact across environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
Driving a global sustainability agenda
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA and UN Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism in Sport, emphasised the growing importance of sustainability in the sector, stating that the quality and diversity of winners reflect a strong global momentum.
He noted that the initiative is helping set new benchmarks for sustainability, while reinforcing sport’s role in innovation, economic growth, and cross-border unity.
Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, added that the awards represent the realisation of a shared commitment made in 2024 to advance a more sustainable sports tourism industry, transforming collaboration into a global platform for recognition and impact.
Award winners across key categories
The inaugural awards recognised outstanding contributions across multiple categories:
- Most Sustainable Sport Event: Secto Rally Finland (Finland) for its ISO 20121 leadership and sustainability initiatives
- Community Impact in Sports Tourism: Salomon Cappadocia Ultra Trail (Türkiye) for its strong local engagement and development impact
- Innovation in Sports Tourism Development: Saalfelden Leogang (Austria) for eco-friendly mountain bike tourism
- Outstanding Public-Private Partnership: MadCup Universe (Spain) for collaborative sports tourism development
- FIA President’s Exceptional Award: Tirana – European City of Sports 2023 (Albania)
- UN Tourism Secretary-General Exceptional Award: WRC UENO Rally of Paraguay 2025
Strong global participation
The awards attracted 70 applications from organisations worldwide, including tourism boards, governments, NGOs, companies, and universities. From these, 28 finalists were shortlisted, with winners selected by a seven-member expert jury.
A new benchmark for sports tourism
The initiative, a joint effort between the FIA and UN Tourism, aims to recognise projects that successfully integrate sport, tourism, and sustainable development. It underscores the increasing role of sports as a platform for environmental responsibility, community engagement, and economic progress.
Looking ahead
With the successful launch of the awards, both organisations signal a long-term commitment to advancing sustainable practices in global sports tourism, encouraging stakeholders worldwide to adopt innovative and responsible approaches.
