With the view to reinforce its presence in the India market, visit.brussels has successfully concluded roadshows in Delhi and Mumbai on 5th September and 8th September respectively with the attendance of over 150 key partners, luxury agents and media. In the midst of beers, waffles, fries and delicious chocolates, the partners from Belgium and representatives from Visit Brussels opened their pandora boxes to reveal the latest offerings of the country. The program in Mumbai also focused on the student program for Belgium, which was attended by guests from schools and universities in India.
The roadshow in Delhi was organized at the residence of H.E. Mr. Didier Vanderhasselt, the Belgium Ambassador to India. Whereas, the workshop in Mumbai was held at a leading prominent hotel in Lower Parel and was graced by our Chief Guest H.E. Frank Geerkens, Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai accompanied by Trade Commissioner, Emmanuelle Timmermans (AWEX) and Mr. Fatih Karakoc, the General Manager Turkish Airlines for Western and Southern India. The delegation was led by Pieter Callebaut, International Business Developer, visit.brussels, in both the cities.
The key delegates present were the spokesperson for visit.brussels, Pieter Callebaut, Philippe Steenbergen (Mini-Europe), Peggy Van Lierde (Choco Story Brussels), Tania Ter-Ossepiantz & Maarten Evenepoel (Brussels Airport), Eric Bruyninckx (Atomium), Jean-Marcel Thomas & Xhandros Molho (Euro Space Centre) and Ratna Rai (Amigo Hotel).
While presenting the City of Brussels’ reimagined offerings, Pieter Callebaut, said, “India is a very important market for us because of the potential it holds. Though the tourism from India to Brussels is still in the recovery phase, we are actively implementing strategies to increase the city’s appeal amongst Indian travellers. The roadshows were great opportunities for visit.brussels to reconnect with the travel trade fraternity while at the same time highlighting its commitment to this amazing market.”
Commenting on the roadshows, Ellona Pereira, Head – AVAIREPS India & visit.brussels – India representative – said, “The current movement trends for 2023 is indicating a positive traction and the year looks promising in terms of tourism to Brussels from India. The launch of new attractions like the Belgium Beer World and with new offerings in the pipeline is definitely a clear indication that Brussels has a lot to offer to every traveller from the Indian sub-continent.”
In the year 2022, Brussels as a destination had witnessed 35,000 overnight stays from India out of which 56% of the travellers were leisure travellers and 44% were business travellers. 50% of the departures were from Mumbai while about 20% were from New Delhi.
WHATS NEW IN 2023!
The Belgian Beer World
On September 9, 2023, The Belgian Beer World has opened its doors for the first time to welcome beer enthusiasts. Housed within the iconic Brussels Stock Exchange building, this sprawling 12,000-square-meter facility promises an immersive, interactive experience, providing a special place devoted to the discovery and appreciation of Belgium’s beloved brews, one that showcases how Belgian beer has left an indelible mark on the four corners of the globe.
2023 is the year of Art Nouveau in Brussels – 130 years Celebration Art Nouveau
In 1893, architect Victor Horta put the finishing touches to Tassel House, the founding work of the Art Nouveau movement in Brussels. 130 years later, Brussels takes advantage of this anniversary to celebrate Art Nouveau in all its diversity. This year’s program includes a variety of initiatives in the Brussels Region: architectural masterpieces open to the public, workshops, lectures, publications, interior visits, city guided tours. Follow the link for all the Art Nouveau events in 2023 at a glance! A Must Visit to Gare Maritime (Tour et Taxis)
This former freight station returns to much of its original architectural heritage, after having undergone major renovations. While adapting the massive interior space for events, retail and office space, once can also find shops, food market, park, urban gardening, guided tours, different expo’s and experiences, Brasserie de la Senne. The food court located here is one of the new food courts that have opened in Brussels recently like Wolf Food Court or Great Market
Brand New Hotel Properties
Stylish boutique hotels like Juliana Hotel, The Hoxton and Mix Brussels will welcome its first guests in the year 2023. In 2024, five-star luxury hotels like Astoria and Cardo Brussels have slated to open its doors.
