Extended spring break may not lead to more Walloons on the coast: “more spread”

It is the first time that the spring break lasts two weeks for the French-speaking Belgians. This ensures an extra spread of holidaymakers on the coast.

Westtoer suspects that there will not be a big difference compared to the spring break last year. “Perhaps there will be just as many Walloons, but their visit will be spread over two weeks.”

More bookings

Nevertheless, the hotels are already recording more bookings compared to the same period last year. This is mainly due to corona, which was still there at the time. “More last-minute reservations were made. According to our estimate, the spring break will be similar.”

Many have already reserved for the first weekend. Owners of a second residence also like to spend a few days by the sea during the spring break. French-speaking Belgians are then mainly in Koksijde, Knokke-Heist and Middelkerke.

Tourists

More than 20 percent of the reservations in the hotels by the sea come from foreign guests. The coast mainly receives visitors from France, Germany, the Netherlands and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Nevertheless, especially French-speaking Belgians are an important public for the coast. “Good for sixteen percent of all tourists in 2021, it concerns 3.4 million arrivals. Together they spend 550 million euros on the coast.” Good for a fifth of the total amount of tourism expenditure.

Walloons also have favorite bathing spots: Ostend, De Panne and Koksijde.