Limburg welcomes record tourists during the Christmas holiday

Limburg (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Limburg welcomed a record number of overnight tourists during Christmas, averaging 2.7 nights. Nearly half were from abroad. Laura Olaerts highlighted events like Bokrijk Winterlicht, Winterland, and Luminexus Festival.

As VRT News reported, Limburg saw a record number of tourists staying overnight during the Christmas holidays. Hotels, holiday parks and guesthouses were well booked across the province. Visitors stayed an average of 2.7 nights. 

What made Limburg attract record tourists with 2.7-night stays this Christmas?

Visit Limburg chair and provincial representative Laura Olaerts welcomed the strong results. She said the figures confirm the success of the “Winter in Limburg” offer. According to Visit Limburg, those efforts are now reflected in the high number of overnight stays. 

Almost half of the tourists who stayed overnight in Limburg during the holiday period came from outside Belgium.

“Certainly from the Netherlands, but also from France and Germany,”

says Olaerts.

“We have a lot to offer. You have the nature experience, but also the shopping and the Christmas markets,”

explains Olaerts.

“In our communication, we also target those foreign tourists who are less than a two-hour drive away.”

Many guests travelled from nearby countries and booked short winter stays. Bokrijk Winterlicht, Winterland in Hasselt and the Luminexus Light Festival welcomed large numbers of visitors during the holidays. 

“Many foreign tourists want to relax in Limburg.”

Laura Olaerts, chair of Visit Limburg

According to Visit Limburg chair Laura Olaerts, many foreign tourists visit Limburg to enjoy peace and quiet.

“In the Netherlands and Germany, for example, the Christmas markets are very busy. Many tourists come to Limburg for the hospitality and to unwind during the holidays.’

Over the last 10 years, Limburg has become a well-liked winter travel location. Since about 2013, the province has been working to market its winter tourism. Since the beginning of the yearly events Bokrijk Winterlicht, Winterland Hasselt and the Luminexus Light Festival, these events most recently occurred from 2017 to 2021, and are drawing in crowds every time they are hosted.