World Tourism Network Recognizes World Habitat Day’s Significance for Global Tourism

Since 1986, the World Tourism Network acknowledges World Habitat Day, observed on the first Monday of October each year. This day, recognized by the United Nations, prompts reflection on the state of towns and cities and the fundamental right to adequate shelter for all.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasizes the role of urban areas in fostering inclusive, green, and sustainable growth. Guterres stresses the necessity for substantial investments in sustainable infrastructure, early warning systems, and affordable housing. He advocates for improved access to essential services like electricity, water, sanitation, and transport, along with investments in education, skills development, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Guterres underlines the importance of local action and global cooperation in achieving these goals.

Reflecting on the significance of World Habitat Day, the Vice President of the World Tourism Network in charge of public sector relations states, “World Habitat Day is worth the recognition.” At the recent summit in Bali, discussions highlighted the need for sustainable tourism development, especially considering the goal of doubling tourism arrivals for Bali alone.

Highlighting the global impact of past non-planning, he emphasizes the importance of constructive dialogue over blame-games. He states, “It is more time for opening concrete positive dialogue for action-related results in unity for the purpose of sustainability.”