Wallonia’s tourism sector has reported an impressive increase in activity during the 2024 Christmas holiday season, according to Walloon Minister of Tourism, Valérie Lescrenier, who spoke about the results on Sunday evening.
Early figures point to a surge in both overnight stays and participation in various regional activities, marking a promising trend for the local tourism industry.
Minister Lescrenier expressed her satisfaction with the “very positive outcome” of the holiday period, noting that the region saw a notable uptick in visitors from multiple demographics.
Both local Flemish and French-speaking Belgians contributed to the increase, but it wasn’t just domestic tourism that drove the success.
Foreign visitors, particularly from neighboring countries such as the Netherlands, France, and Germany, flocked to Wallonia, further boosting the region’s appeal during the festive season.
The increase in overnight stays was especially significant. Data from VISITWallonia, the regional tourism platform, revealed a substantial rise in bookings for holiday homes and hotels, with some establishments reporting an uptick of as much as 40% compared to the previous year.
This surge in accommodation bookings highlights Wallonia’s growing attractiveness as a tourist destination, even during the winter months.
The region’s Christmas markets proved to be a major draw for visitors. Cities and towns across Wallonia, including Liège, Maredsous, Ciney, Mons, and Namur, hosted vibrant Christmas markets, which enjoyed considerable popularity.
These festive events showcased local crafts, seasonal treats, and warm beverages, creating a welcoming atmosphere that captivated both tourists and locals alike.
In addition to the bustling Christmas markets, ticket sales for various attractions and museums on the VISITWallonia platform also showed positive results.
While the platform’s figures only represent a small portion of the overall sales, the data still demonstrated a notable increase compared to last year, further underscoring the region’s strong appeal to tourists during the holiday season.
The 80th anniversary of the historic ‘Battle of the Bulge’ played a significant role in the region’s tourism boom.
This milestone event drew between 100,000 and 120,000 visitors, eager to explore the historical significance of the battle and engage with commemorative activities.
The large turnout for the anniversary celebrations added to the overall success of Wallonia’s tourism during the holidays, further reinforcing the region’s position as a top cultural and historical destination.
Minister Lescrenier highlighted the results as “very encouraging” for the tourism sector, noting that the holiday season had brought Wallonia to near-record figures for visitor numbers.
The significant rise in tourists and the positive impact on local businesses point to a growing and robust tourism industry, which is expected to continue flourishing in the coming years.
“These results are a clear indication of the region’s increasing attractiveness and the positive dynamic that is developing around Wallonia,” Lescrenier concluded.
As Wallonia looks ahead to the future, the success of the 2024 Christmas holiday season serves as a testament to the region’s ability to capture the interest of both local and international visitors, further solidifying its status as a key tourist destination in Belgium.
