Brussels revamps its tourism potential in the global landscape

Visit Brussels recently concluded successful roadshows in Delhi and Mumbai with the participation of 150 key partners and luxury agents. The Delhi chapter was hosted at the residence of H.E. Didier Vanderhasselt, the Belgium Ambassador to India, providing TTJ with a valuable opportunity for dialogue.

- Prativa Vaidya Bhalla

International Hub of Trade and Diversity

Brussels thrives as a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and multicultural hub, largely due to the presence of the European Union and other international institutions. The city’s global atmosphere is enriched by a diverse population of over 100,000 expatriates, including civil servants from institutions like the European Commission, European Parliament, and European Council. As a pivotal connecting city, it enjoys a unique advantage as a bustling trade centre. It plays a crucial role in import, export, and the diamond trade, further facilitated by its exceptional connectivity through the Brussels Airport and its status as home to the largest port in the European Union.

Tourism Revamped

In the post-pandemic scenario, Visit Brussels is revamping its tourism objectives, aiming to provide innovative offerings to the global market with a special emphasis on the Indian market due to its potential. The roadshows held in India provide valuable opportunities for Belgian Tourism to engage with the travel trade community, reaffirming their commitment to this promising market.

As a destination, Brussels has witnessed 35,000 overnight stays in 2022 from India, out of which 56 per cent of the travellers were leisure travellers and 44 per cent were business travellers. 50 per cent of the departures were from Mumbai, while about 20 per cent from New Delhi. With an eye on increasing these numbers, the city is restoring and rebuilding to increase tourist footfall.