The Belgian coast welcomed fewer day tourists this summer, but at the same time, the number of foreign overnight stays increased, figures from the West Flemish tourist office Westtoer showed on Thursday.
5.6 million day tourists were counted, about 6% less than in 2024. The number of overnight stays by foreign guests, on the other hand, increased by 6% to 1.7 million.
The coast recorded a total of 10.4 million overnight stays in July and August, roughly the same (-1%) compared to last year. These were overnight stays in hotels, campsites, holiday homes, and holiday parks. Furthermore, the coast enjoyed more overnight stays by foreign tourists this summer.
Specifically, this represents a 6% increase compared to last year, to 1.7 million overnight stays. Foreign tourists account for 17% of the total, compared to 15% last year. Flemish people remain the largest group, accounting for 59% of overnight stays, followed by French-speaking Belgians with 24%.
"In recent years, Westtoer, Tourism Flanders, and the coastal municipalities have increasingly invested in promotion in neighboring countries. Since 2022, strategic online marketing has focused on promotion abroad, with the aim of strengthening the coast's international visibility," said Westtoer chair Jurgen Vanlerberghe. "For the 'Zeemodus' (Sea Mode) campaign, which runs from March, we have noticed that the foreign advertisements are most popular with Germans."
Spread-out peak
According to Westtoer, the coast attracted an estimated 5.6 million day tourists between 1 July and 31 August – about 6% less than during the 2024 summer holidays. In July and August this summer, the coast recorded three days with more than 150,000 visitors, compared to eight such peak days in 2024.
The busiest days were Sunday 10 August and Friday 15 August with approximately 190,000 visitors each day.
Additionally, the holiday rental sector looks back on the summer with satisfaction. "The consistent summer weather on the coast ensured a spread-out peak rental season," said Tijs Clarebout, director at CIB Kust and real estate agent at Immo Plaza.
Turnover in August was more than 10% higher than last year at holiday home and apartment rental agencies. However, the results for holiday rentals are not consistent across the coast. For example, due to the earlier end of the French-speaking school holidays, a 5% drop in turnover was recorded in Koksijde and Sint-Idesbald.
The camping sector looks back on a successful summer. "An average occupancy rate of 90% was recorded for the month of August, with strong demand for both rental accommodations and tourist camping pitches," said Charlotte Deseins, chair of Kustcampings vzw.
