Want to know about tourism in Belgium? Find out what the Belgians have to offer to tourists and the importance that the industry has for the country.
Tourism is one of the major revenue earning industries of Belgium. The fact that the country has excellent accessibility from the surrounding areas also contributes to the popularity of the tourism in Belgium.
It is estimated that around 6.7 million people from around the world make their way to this fascinating country from across the globe. The bulk of the influx of tourists however comes from the neighboring regions like the Netherlands, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Tourist hot spots in Belgium
Not all areas of Belgium are hot spots for tourists. The capital city of Brussels is by far the most popular tourist destination in Belgium. The well developed coastal areas are also often frequented by vacationers. Ardennes and the Flemish cities of Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges also attract travelers looking to get a taste of the local culture.
In terms of its popularity Belgium is the 21st most popular tourist destination in the world. This is still considerably lesser than the neighboring countries. The main attracting features of Belgium are its natural resources and culture. In terms of price competitiveness Belgium is not the cheapest place to visit.
Holiday highlights of Belgium
The tourism authorities of Belgium have capitalized on the natural reserves of the country and developed excellent recreational activities for tourists. Visitors to Belgium will be able to find plenty of hiking and cycling opportunities in the country.
The Belgians have paid a lot of attention to developing cycling paths across the country. They have developed cycle paths that take the tourists on a magical trip through the natural treasures of the country while keeping them safe from traffic. Then you have tons of sporting activities as well as plenty of opportunity to enjoy the tranquil nature of the country.
Belgium has plenty of sun and sand at the coastal areas for visitors to enjoy. The coastal areas are amongst the most well developed regions of the country and are often frequented by tourists.
On the flipside visitors to Belgium have the chance to explore the rich artistic heritage of the Belgians through the many museums and architectural monuments spread across the land.
The Belgians are also known for the deep love of food that they possess. Hence tourists to the region have many gastronomical treasures to explore in the country. The local cuisine offers you a fusion of the many different cultures that have tread upon the Belgian soil.
The hospitable attitude of the Belgians adds to the plethora of enjoyment opportunities that tourists have to explore in the region.
In recent years the tourism industry of Belgium is picking up. The number of people employed in the industry has also gone up and the percentage of contribution that the tourism industry makes in the Gross Domestic Product of Belgium is also on the increase.
