Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Genk aims to increase its pedestrian tourism numbers for the upcoming year. Visit Genk recorded substantially higher walker numbers during 2023, which they aim to double with additional walking tourists in 2024.
The administration of Genk aims to increase walking tourism while improving visitor satisfaction at Thor Park throughout 2019. The hiker boom of 2023 brought 81,494 visitors to Thor Park and Kattevennen, so Genk is targeting more walkers and cyclists to establish its position as a popular walking destination.
The Thor Experience marks its launch date on May 29 by blending heritage features with technology through film showings and augmented reality and virtual reality glasses. The city is now revamping its walking paths as it marks the third decade of the Limburg cycling route system.
We think that tourists are increasingly looking for unique nature experiences,
says Alderman for Tourism Anniek Nagels (CD&V).
In Genk we have impressive nature near industrial heritage, something that is unique in itself.
But it’s not just tourists who are walking more in Genk, our own Genk residents have also been walking more since corona,
Nagels continues.
To maintain that, we are refreshing our Genk op Gang routes in the center of Genk and in Waterschei. There will be a colorful seating installation along the route in Waterschei and the center will get a shortened art route.
There will also be something new to experience in Thor Park soon.
On May 29, the Thor Experience will open, a new visitor experience where heritage and technology will merge. With an Immersive film, AR and VR glasses, visitors can dive into the rich history and future of Thor Park. “An extra asset for tourists, Genk residents and all Limburgers”,
according to the alderman.
This year, the cycling route network of Limburg turns 30. A festive milestone that we will not let pass by. In June, just before the summer, something nice is already planned, but I cannot say more about it yet.
In addition, the new guest plan for the coming policy period is already being worked on, the deputy says.
The promotion of landscape tourism remains our biggest priority, but culinary hospitality and the development of walking and cycling routes are also very important.
Business tourism is also doing well in our province,
Olaerts emphasises.
Companies are clearly looking for green, inspiring environments for their business meetings. For example, many large conferences are already taking place in Limburg, but I certainly also want to focus on attracting smaller companies.
What drives Genk’s growing appeal for walking and cycling tourism?
Tourism expansion in Genk results from the combination of industrial monuments alongside natural recreational areas that draw in tourists who enjoy walking and cycling. In 2023, visitor numbers at Thor Park reached 45% more visitors than in 2022 figures, while Kattevennen reported 20% more hikers for a combined total of 81,494 hikers. The increase in such nature-oriented tourism corresponds with a wider industry movement, which Alderman Anniek Nagels points out.
The local population has increased walking frequency after the pandemic, which encouraged the city to develop new walking trails alongside artistic installations. The 30-year anniversary of Limburg’s cycling routes presents special June events in addition to supporting Genk’s tourism growth. Business tourism continues to grow in Limburg because the location offers businesses attractive spaces for hosting their conferences and meetings within inspiring green environments.
