Belgium recorded nearly 45 million overnight stays in holiday accommodations in 2024, an increase of approximately 194,000 compared to the previous year, according to an initial estimate released by the Belgian statistics office, Statbel.
The figures highlight a continued interest in domestic and international tourism in the country, with more than a quarter of these stays registered during the summer months.
Summer Tourism Drives Growth
The busiest months for overnight stays were July and August, with 6,133,924 and 6,021,286 bookings, respectively.
These two months alone accounted for 27.1% of the total overnight stays in Belgium. The data underscores the importance of the summer season for the Belgian tourism sector, as travelers flocked to various destinations across the country.
Belgians themselves contributed significantly to the total numbers, accounting for 23.1 million overnight stays (51.7%). The remaining overnight stays were booked by foreign tourists, with Dutch visitors leading the way at 6.1 million.
German (3.2 million), French (2.7 million), British (1.8 million), and American tourists (almost 960,000) also made up a significant portion of the international arrivals.
Regional Trends in Overnight Stays
Flanders remained the most popular region for overnight stays, with 62.9% of bookings occurring there. The region recorded 28 million overnight stays, a 0.6% increase from 2023.
The Brussels-Capital Region experienced a more significant rise of 3.5%, bringing the number of stays to 7.1 million. However, Wallonia saw a decline in overnight stays, with a 2.4% drop to 9.5 million.
Hotels Remain the Preferred Choice
Despite the strong performance of holiday homes, hotels continued to be the most popular accommodation type, accounting for nearly 21 million overnight stays—an increase of 1.3% from 2023.
Other accommodation categories, such as gîtes, holiday homes, and apartments, also saw growth, with a 1.6% rise in bookings.
However, some lodging types experienced a decline in popularity. Holiday centres and holiday villages recorded a drop of 4.4% in overnight stays, while bed and breakfast accommodations (B&Bs) saw a 2.4% decrease.
Sustained Tourism Growth in Belgium
The latest figures reinforce Belgium’s position as a key European travel destination. The combination of domestic tourism and international visitors has helped sustain the hospitality sector, particularly during peak travel seasons.
While the overall increase in overnight stays is modest compared to the previous year, the resilience of Belgium’s tourism industry is evident.
With evolving travel preferences and growing international interest, industry stakeholders will be looking to further capitalize on the country’s appeal to maintain this upward trajectory in the coming years.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
