Unstable spring break for coastal tourism
French-speaking Belgium also has a second week of crocus leave for the first time and, according to Westtoer, that is one of the reasons for the volatile crowds during the first week of vacation, because they spread their visits to the sea. The gloomy weather is also a cause.
Compared to last year, both day tourism and overnight tourism have fallen by 20 percent. For online hotel bookings, the decrease is more limited, at 10 percent. “Last year the crocus holidays were extremely sunny, which resulted in strong figures. Last year there was also less travel abroad because of corona,” says Westtoer.
“The extra holiday week for French-speaking Belgians, which promises to be very sunny, will be partly compensated by additional last-minute bookings.” Westtoer suspects that there will not be a big difference with last year’s spring break because of the extended holiday. “Perhaps the same number of French-speaking Belgians will come, but their visit is spread over two weeks.”