Dilbeek (Brussels Morning Newspaper) -The municipal government of Dilbeek seeks to grow tourism by introducing the picnic backpack as its new tourist offering. Every person can reserve a picnic backpack filled with regional treats at 3 specific catering restaurants through September.
The Dilbeek municipality launched the picnic backpack as a new tourist attraction to draw additional tourists to the area. Through reservations at three local catering spots, people can obtain backpacks filled with regional products between March and September for unplanned picnics. Through this initiative, Dilbeek benefits its local economy while drawing visitors who discover its natural sites and walking trails.
“The picnic backpacks can be picked up at 3 catering establishments in the municipality,”
says Alderman for Tourism Véronique De Buyst (N-VA).
“They are all filled with delicious things from our own region and can be eaten at several nice picnic locations in our municipality.”
With the picnic backpacks, the municipality not only supports the local catering industry but also wants to attract more tourists.
“We want to attract more hikers and tourists to Dilbeek and introduce them to the beautiful nature and the beautiful walks in our municipality. Many people do not know our municipality yet, and by offering tourist products such as a picnic backpack, we hope to attract more people.”
Has Hasselt implemented similar tourism initiatives before?
Tourism initiatives have flourished in Hasselt since its establishment. The city is known as the “Capital of Taste,” promoting its gastronomy and vibrant restaurant scene to attract visitors, as explained by Limburg 2024. With cultural tourism as a priority, Hasselt built the Japanese Garden, which serves as the largest European version of this type of garden, after establishing alliances with Itami, Japan, for cultural exchange. The garden first opened in 1992.
The former administrative centre has evolved into Kunstenhuis Groenplein, which will become a vital cultural and tourism centre opening its doors to visitors in 2027. Branding campaigns like “Smaakmaker Spraakmaker” further highlight Hasselt’s diverse tourist offerings.
