Knokke-Heist (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Knokke-Heist’s “exclusive” label under ex-mayor Count Leopold Lippens (Gemeentebelangen), now faces dispute as new mayor Cathy Coudyser drops the term, sparking opposition concerns over tourism and luxury image.
As VRT News reported, Knokke-Heist has built its name as Belgium’s most upscale seaside town over many years. Former Mayor Count Leopold Lippens from the Gemeentebelangen party mentioned that he led the council for more than 40 years and helped shape this image.
He said that the town became a place for wealthy visitors who purchased expensive apartments and villas, primarily in the Het Zoute area. Because of the former mayor’s influence, people often drove golf carts through the streets, and beach bars served expensive champagne.
What is behind Knokke-Heist dropping its ‘exclusive’ label?
Knokke-Heist’s image is now changing under the new town council. Since the start of the year, Gemeentebelangen has been in the opposition, and Mayor Cathy Coudyser is taking a new approach. She says the word “exclusive” will no longer be used in official talks about the town.
The opposition says this is more than a change in words. They believe it moves away from the identity that made Knokke-Heist successful for many years. They warn that the town could lose its special appeal and its place as a top spot for wealthy visitors and luxury brands.
“Knokke-Heist isn’t exclusive. Quite the opposite. Everyone is welcome here. And preferably people who live and work here. That’s what keeps our community running,”
Mayor Cathy Coudyser said.
Gemeentebelangen, now in opposition, sent an open letter to criticise Mayor Cathy Coudyser’s decision to drop the word “exclusive” from the town’s image. Party member Gaëlle Six said the move was surprising and worrying.
She said the word shows the quality, individuality, and ambition that have defined Knokke-Heist for years. 6 believes this is why people live there and why visitors return. She warned that removing it could affect the local economy and tourism.
Mayor Cathy Coudyser has dismissed the criticism from Gemeentebelangen. She said the party is twisting her words and making the issue bigger than it is. According to her, her comments have been taken out of context, and there is no real problem. She claimed the opposition is using the matter to create division in the community instead of encouraging useful debate.
Mayor Cathy Coudyser says,
“Together with our coalition partner JA!, we stand for a unifying story. I have no problem whatsoever with the fact that the Zoute neighbourhood has an exclusive character. We fully support events like the Zoute Grand Prix and the Night of the Zoute. But in our municipality. Everyone is welcome.”
According to officials, Knokke-Heist has been known for years as one of Belgium’s most high-end seaside towns. Former mayor Count Leopold Lippens and his party Gemeentebelangen built this image by attracting wealthy visitors, supporting luxury services, and developing expensive homes, especially in the Het Zoute area.
They mentioned that the word “exclusive” became part of the town’s identity and helped its economy. After the 2024 elections, Gemeentebelangen moved to the opposition, and Cathy Coudyser became mayor. She now avoids using the word “exclusive” in official talks about the town, which has led to a public dispute over its image.
