Bruges, Belgium – The historic city of Bruges welcomed a record-breaking eight million visitors in 2024, according to a report presented by the city on Friday.
As tourism in the UNESCO-listed city reaches unprecedented levels, local authorities are now weighing the economic benefits against concerns over congestion and residents’ well-being.
Dubbed the ‘Venice of the North’ for its picturesque canals and medieval architecture, Bruges saw an average of 27,000 visitors per day throughout 2024.
Mayor Dirk De fauw (CD&V) acknowledged both the positive and negative impacts of tourism on the city, emphasizing the need for careful management.
“Tourism brings both advantages and challenges, and we are fully aware of that,” De fauw stated. He underlined the sector’s significance for Bruges’ economy, with tourism generating an estimated €542 million in revenue for the year.
The industry also plays a key role in employment, benefiting local businesses and hospitality services. However, the rising number of visitors has led to concerns about overcrowding, particularly during peak seasons.
Residents and temporary visitors alike have reported experiencing diminished quality of life due to congestion in popular areas, particularly around the city’s iconic Markt Square and historic canals.
Minou Esquenet, the alderwoman responsible for tourism, noted that while Bruges remains committed to being a welcoming city, steps must be taken to ensure tourism remains sustainable.
“Bruges is a welcoming city where people from all over the world feel at home, and we want it to stay that way,” Esquenet said.
“That is why I am working on a concrete plan to more actively manage this hospitality. This way, we can maintain residents’ support for tourism and the city’s attractiveness to visitors.”
Esquenet stressed the importance of taking social costs into account when evaluating tourism policies.
Possible measures under consideration include implementing crowd management strategies, encouraging visitors to explore beyond the main tourist hotspots, and promoting off-peak travel.
Authorities are also examining ways to preserve the city’s cultural and historical integrity while continuing to support local businesses reliant on tourism.
The city’s approach reflects a broader debate taking place in many European destinations facing the pressures of over-tourism.
Similar challenges have been reported in cities such as Venice, Barcelona, and Amsterdam, where authorities have introduced regulations to limit the impact of mass tourism.
Bruges’ leadership remains committed to striking a balance that benefits both visitors and residents. “Tourism is essential to our economy, but it should not come at the cost of our residents’ quality of life,” said De fauw. “Our goal is to ensure that Bruges remains a vibrant, accessible, and enjoyable place for everyone.”
With the record-breaking influx of tourists in 2024, Bruges now faces the challenge of managing its popularity while preserving its unique charm.
The city’s upcoming strategies will determine whether it can successfully navigate the fine line between being a top global destination and maintaining its local identity.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
