Number of foreign tourists has risen sharply again

This is apparent from figures that Flemish MP for N-VA Cathy Coudyzer from Knokke-Heist requested from fellow party member and minister of tourism Zuhal Demir. Cathy Coudyzer : Flemish Member of Parliament: “We have ten times more bookings from foreign tourists compared to last year. They mainly come from neighboring countries. France and the Netherlands in the lead. Also Germany and Luxembourg. Remarkably, Spain and Switzerland are also well represented in Flanders.”

They notice this not only on the coast, but also in the Westhoek and in Bruges. There it is still waiting for tourists from America and Asia. “Bruges is known for the Japanese who come. Those distant lands are not coming back yet. A city of art also attracts distant countries. They are pleased that the neighboring countries are already coming back. That’s the first step. That is also thanks to the promotional campaign that Tourism Flanders has set up for the artists, and you can see that they are paying off.”

Whether many Belgians will also spend their summer holidays in their own country, such as during corona, is doubtful. “Domestic tourism continues to rise. Especially for short holidays. We hope for last minute bookings. But we notice that Flemings are also choosing the road again for their long holiday abroad.”

The full recovery of tourism is planned for 2024.