The Ghent hotel sector had bumper year in 2024 with an average weekend occupancy rate of 92 per cent. ‘More growth is still possible, especially in the field of business tourism,’ says Gent Hotel, the organisation that defends the industry’s interests.
Gent Hotel’s latest figures are remarkable. Occupancy levels during weekends averaged at 92 per cent. During the week an occupancy rate of 71 per cent was recorded. The organisation represents some 30 hotels in the East Flemish capital, which together account for 3,200 hotel rooms in the city.
‘To be profitable, a hotel must have an occupancy rate of 65 per cent. We are well above that. It was a very good year. We want to continue this trend. There is still room for growth,’ says chairman Rudy De Wit, who owns two hotels.
Ghent’s high season runs from May to October. In summer there are peak moments, for instance during the Ghent Festival. In low season months, winter festivities help to attract many tourists, not just day-trippers, but the number of overnight stays also increased by almost 20 per cent compared to 2023. Ghent is attracting more Spanish, British and American tourists than ever before.
Room for growth in conference tourism
The figures are very good, but the sector sees further growth, especially in the area of business tourism. ‘There is demand for small conference meeting rooms where people can meet in groups. These venues can complement the larger convention centres like the ICC or Flanders Expo.’
Visitors often stay nearby overnight. In the centre of Ghent new hotels can only be added under strict conditions. ‘The city allows opportunities in historical buildings which have to be renovated immediately, but so far few property developers have taken Ghent up on he offer.’