A new survey that was commissioned by the Flemish Tourist Authority Visit Flanders reveals that our region has become ever more attractive to foreign tourists as a holiday destination. A total of 13,000 tourists from 12 European countries and the United States were surveyed.
The study found that 41% of those surveyed now find Flanders to be “very attractive” as a destination for a short break such as a city trip. This is 10 percentage points up on 31% that said so in a previous survey that was carried out in 2021.
Around a third of those that took part in the survey said that they were considering visiting Flanders in the coming years. 29% of respondents said that they were considering visiting our region for a longer break than just a day trip or a city trip.
Of those that took part in Visit Flanders’ survey, 91% said that they knew either Flanders as a region or at least one of its cities. Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp were the cities that were best-known among potential visitors.
Historic cities
Tourists most often associate Flanders with historic cities, beer, war memorials and war graves and artists such as Rubens, Van Eyck and Bruegel.
The cyclist Eddy Merckx is also frequently mentioned by those considering a visit to our region.
Praise
Those surveyed praised Flanders for our culture, heritage and the cuisine that is on offer here. Those that have visited describe Flemings as respectful, culturally proud and multilingual.
While interest among those surveyed was greatest in neighbouring countries as well as in Italy and Spain. Flanders’ image among potential visitors and those that have visited the region remains positive.