In a concerning trend for the hospitality industry in Wallonia, a staggering 911 establishments, constituting one fifth of bistros, have closed their doors between 2013 and 2022.
Contributing factors include rising rents, an increase in additional operating charges, and the price of raw materials. Navigating through these challenges has become incredibly complicated, and many establishments are being forced to reevaluate their businesses. Some come to no other conclusion than to close down.
Those who survive are forced into diversifying their activities, incorporating small-scale catering and organising additional events. However, these efforts often fall short of addressing the broader issues.
Speaking to RTBF, Luc Marchal, president of the Walloon hospitality federation, highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that the hospitality sector ranks second in terms of bankruptcy judgments in Wallonia. "Occasionally, we see young individuals taking over establishments, but this is becoming increasingly rare as they fear the financial challenges that might jeopardise their ability to make ends meet," he told RTBF.
The struggle for survival is particularly acute in rural areas, where the closure of bistros has reached a critical point. Over the past decade, six Walloon municipalities have witnessed the disappearance of the last remaining establishments within their borders, underscoring the gravity of the situation facing the hospitality sector in Wallonia.
