In July, 3.5 million tourists settled on the Flemish coast

With five weeks of the summer vacation period still to go, the coastal resorts of West Flanders can look back on a very successful first four weeks of July. Since the start of the month no fewer than 3.5 million day trips have been made to our region’s coastal resorts. Hotels, holiday-let apartments and campsites too report that they have been almost fully booked since the beginning of July.

Franky De Block of the West Flemish Tourist Board Westtoer told VRT News that “No fewer than 3.5 million day trippers in one month is an absolute record and an increase of 20% compared with last year. These are phenomenal figures. The absolute top weekend was 21 and 22 July with 300,000 day trippers”.

“The hotels had between 90% and 95% occupancy. Those that let out holiday homes and the owners of camp sites also had a busy month. Bar and restaurant-owners, the proprietors of beach bars, ice cream sellers and those that let out go-carts and deck chair are also very satisfied with how the summer is going”, Mr De Block added.

You don’t have to look far to find a reason for the surge in tourists numbers at our coastal resorts.

“At the coast the sun has shined for an average 11 hours a day in July”.

“This are weather conditions that we haven’t had in recent years. In addition to this we have noticed that the coast has become hip and trendy again. Over the past few years the coastal resorts have invested strongly in infrastructure along the front, on the beach and in the centre of their respective municipalities and that puts the coast on the map season after season”.

With more than half of the summer vacation still to go and the spell of sunny weather to continue for another 10 days, there is a big chance that 2018 will be a record year. In an average summer 6 million day trippers visit our coastal resorts.

“The figures are spectacular and are already at the level of the top summers of 1999 and 2006. 2018 could possibly become the best summer in recent decennia”, Mr De Block concluded.


The author: Michel DEURINCK

Michel Deurinck, born in Brussels in 1950, started his career in the Belgian civil service, dedicating over 30 years to public service. Upon retirement, he pursued his passion for journalism. Transitioning into this new field, he quickly gained recognition for his insightful reporting on politics and culture. Deurinck's balanced and thoughtful approach to journalism has made him a respected figure in Belgian media.

Related posts

Leave a Comment