The tourism sector in Wallonia has reported a positive initial assessment of the spring holidays, according to the office of the regional Minister of Tourism and Heritage, Valérie Lescrenier, on Friday.
Gardens, animal parks, castles, and other open-air sites saw high attendance over the two-week holiday, reflecting the public’s growing interest in nature, relaxation, and outdoor heritage activities. In contrast, indoor attractions, particularly those in urban areas, experienced more “modest” visitor numbers.
There was a notable presence of foreign visitors. For instance, during the first week, the Citadel of Namur reported that 46% of its visitors were from abroad.
“These initial indicators show an encouraging trend for Walloon tourism: strong attendance, improved experience quality, and increased international presence,” the ministerial office stated. “They also confirm a shift towards tourism that is more spread out over time, rooted in nature, and better distributed across the region.”
This year, the French-speaking school calendar was different from that of the rest of Belgium and neighbouring countries, extending the activity period. This facilitated better management of tourist flows and avoided peaks in attendance.
