Theme image Blankenberge. — © jve
Where –
1.7 million overnight stays, 550,000 day tourists: that is the balance after two weeks of Christmas holidays on the coast. Striking: 12 percent more foreign holidaymakers went to sea. “And that is a boost,” says provincial company Westtoer.
Saturday January 6, 2024 at 9:27 AM
They both increased by 5 percent compared to last year, the number of day trippers and overnight stays on the coast during the Christmas holidays. A total of 1.7 million tourist overnight stays were recorded, in addition to 550,000 day tourists. Tuesday 26 and Saturday 30 December were the best days for day tourism, with approximately 60,000 day tourists each time. And while the period between Christmas and New Year attracted the most overnight tourists.
Especially neighboring countries
The biggest boost? According to provincial company Westtoer, that was the number of foreign holidaymakers. “Their share has increased by twelve percent, mainly from neighboring countries,” says Westtoer. “There has also been a slight increase in online hotel bookings compared to last year in reservations by German, French and Dutch guests.” There were also four percent more overnight stays by Flemish and French-speaking Belgians.
Sabien Lahaye-Battheu, deputy and chairman of Westtoer, already knows why. “The coast is positioning itself more than ever as a four-season destination,” she says. “The original and high-quality offering at the end of the year is still highly appreciated by a wide audience. Together with the authentic coastal assets, events provide an extra dimension.”
For example, the exhibition about Ensor in Mu.zee in Ostend has already started strongly. For the traditional New Year’s dive – compared to last year – a thousand extra people swam in the cold North Sea.