HABITAT III: A World Event With Great Impact for Quito – Ecuador 17-20 October, 2016

For Ecuador, HABITAT III has been the largest international event it has ever hosted. The impact of such event will remain for years and will be essential for the citizens. Therefore, Ecuador has planned to create a positive perception; thus, guaranteeing investment in the country is Ecuador’s main challenge through a successful Conference.

This event had other benefits, such as promotion for tourism, investment, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.

Quito has been the host of the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, HABITAT III, where 193 Member States executed the New Urban Agenda (NUA).

Developing the NUA is of the essence for the development of equitable, sustainable, productive, and safe human cities and settlements, since it defines the guidelines for a sustainable urban development policy for the next 20 years.

According to the World Bank, at present 54.5% of the world population lives in cities of all scales, where 180,000 people incorporate every day. By 2030, 60% of the world population is expected to live in urban areas. Accordingly, it is there where 70% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will generates, 60% of the global energy consumption, 70% of greenhouse gas emission, and 70% of the world’s waste will take place according to UN-Habitat.

Positive impact for tourism industry

RESULTS – INBOUND TOURISM

　　Registered:  45.000 persons

　　International Attendees:  10.000 persons

　　Direct Employment:  3.500 vacancies

　　Average Age:  40 years

　　Male:  54%

　　Female:  46%

　　Average days in Quito:  7 days

　　Average Spending per person:  US$ 967

　　Total Tourism spending:  US$ 9.7 millions

　　RESULTS – DOMESTIC TOURISM

　　Average days in Quito:  5 days

　　Average Spending per person:  US$ 212

　　Total Tourism spending:  US$ 3.4 millions

The impact on potential tourism and tourists who will come back to the country after HABITAT III extends up to 8 years.