UN Tourism and FIA collaborate to boost sustainable sports tourism in Africa

AFRICA – UN Tourism has deepened its partnership with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) to promote the role of sports tourism while ensuring long-term sustainability.

In August 2024, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the importance of integrating sports tourism into development strategies.

“Sports tourism can foster economic resilience, support local communities, and encourage environmental responsibility,” Pololikashvili stated.

He also highlighted Rwanda’s success in this area, crediting its innovative approach to balancing tourism growth with the preservation of natural resources.

Events such as the annual Kwita Izina festival, which combines cultural traditions with tourism, have become benchmarks for sustainable practices.

The partnership between UN Tourism and the FIA has taken on greater significance with the appointment of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem as a UN Tourism Ambassador.

This move reinforces their shared commitment to creating impactful sports events that benefit local economies and promote responsible tourism.

Rwanda’s leadership in sports tourism

Rwanda’s efforts have been at the forefront of sports tourism in Africa. Pololikashvili recently met with key leaders in Kigali, including Rwanda Development Board CEO Francis Gatare and Minister of Foreign Affairs Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe.

Discussions centered on leveraging sports tourism to attract investments and enhance education opportunities.

Rwanda’s success stems from its strategic hosting of major international events like the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and the UCI Road World Championships.

These events have drawn international visitors while showcasing Rwanda’s ability to host large-scale sporting events efficiently.

Significant investments in infrastructure, such as the Kigali Arena, have further positioned the country as a destination for global sports enthusiasts.

“Rwanda has demonstrated that sports tourism can drive economic progress while fostering cultural pride and global connections,” Pololikashvili said during the FIA’s 150th General Assembly in Kigali.

He expressed gratitude to President Paul Kagame for his consistent support for tourism initiatives in the region.

The growing role of global sports tourism

The third World Sports Tourism Congress, held earlier in Madrid, underscored the increasing relevance of sports tourism as a driver of economic and social development.

Events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Olympics highlight the global appeal of sports and their potential to transform local economies.

UN Tourism and the FIA aim to channel investments into sports infrastructure while encouraging sustainable practices for hosting international events.

The collaboration also emphasizes the need for local communities to participate in and benefit from these initiatives, ensuring that economic gains are shared broadly.

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