Bruges (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Tourism in Bruges is down this year due to economic uncertainty. Dimitri Thirion from Hotels Regio Brugge notes fewer hotel bookings, but the Tour of Flanders still attracts day tourists, boosting local businesses.
Fewer tourists are visiting Bruges this year. Dimitri Thirion, from Hotels Regio Brugge, says it’s not because of the Tour of Flanders. He says it’s because of things happening around the world. People are worried about the economy and things happening in other countries. This makes them less likely to travel. He mentioned that even in January, February, and March, when Bruges is usually quieter, there are fewer tourists. This year, there are even fewer than usual.
Why are hotels in Bruges not fully booked for the Tour of Flanders?
The decline in visitors isn’t just affecting hotels, it impacts all kinds of establishments where people are staying in Bruges. Dimitri Thirion clarifies that individuals are delaying their travels, which is causing fewer people to stay. There’s also a change in how people are traveling.
He mentioned that more tourists are choosing to stay in Bruges during the week instead of the weekend. This is because weekday stays tend to be more affordable. He explained that individuals are becoming more prudent with their finances and changing their holiday arrangements because of economic uncertainty.
The Tour of Flanders, which started in Bruges this year, is a big event. But even though it’s a big event, Dimitri Thirion from Hotels Regio Brugge says that hotels aren’t as full as they were 2 years ago. While 85 to 90 percent of hotel rooms are filled, it’s not as full as it was during the last Tour of Flanders.
According to Thirion, this is because of the economy. The public is being more prudent with their finances and is taking fewer trips. Although the night stays are fewer, lots of people still go to Bruges for a day trip.
Dimitri Thirion mentioned that these days, tourists will help the city’s tourism and hospitality businesses. He expects a lot of people to come to Bruges for the event, which will bring in money for local businesses. The race will also be shown on TV all over the world. The men’s race starts in Bruges on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM, and the women’s race starts and finishes in Oudenaarde.
