The data from Statbel, the Belgian statistical office, has revealed that Belgians were able to take a significant number of trips in 2022, almost reaching the pre-COVID-19 levels. The fact that 21.8 million trips were taken indicates a notable recovery in travel activities compared to the previous year.
According to the same source, the preference for domestic travel among Belgians, as indicated by a quarter of all trips (26.5 per cent) being within the country, can indeed be attributed to several factors.
In particular, travel restrictions, especially during the pandemic, may have influenced individuals to explore their own country rather than venture abroad, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
France Remains a Top Choice for Belgians Travelling Outside the Country
Regarding international travel, unsurprisingly, France remained a popular choice for Belgians, with 31.1 per cent of all trips abroad being directed towards their southern neighbour. France has long been a favourite destination for Belgian travellers due to its proximity, diverse attractions, and cultural connections.
In 2022, Belgians showed equal interest in coastal getaways and city trips, with both travel types capturing a market share of approximately 33 per cent.
Moreover, a significant portion of travellers, around 30 per cent, opted for exploring the countryside, while 15 per cent sought the allure of mountainous regions.
Additionally, business travel witnessed a remarkable recovery, with 1.2 million trips recorded, nearly reaching the levels observed in 2019.
Employed Individuals & Students Are More Passionate to Travel
Among the population last year, 38 per cent either chose not to or were unable to undertake a trip that involved at least one overnight stay. Notably, distinct variations exist among different demographic groups.
Employed individuals and students exhibited higher travel rates, with 72 per cent and 69 per cent of them embarking on at least one trip, respectively.
In contrast, retired individuals accounted for a lower average of 45 per cent in terms of travel participation, followed by the unemployed (38 per cent) and other inactive individuals (35 per cent), who took fewer trips on average.
Further statistics provided by Statbel show that the majority of trips in Belgium occur during the summer holidays. The peak appears to be on July 22, with approximately 14 per cent of the population engaged in travelling on that particular day. This highlights a concentration of travel activities during the summer season when people often take advantage of their vacation time to explore new destinations or enjoy a break from their daily routines.
Based on previous data from the same source the total number of overnight stays in Belgium tourist accommodations in December of last year reached 2,760,034.
Of the total number of overnight stays in Belgium’s tourist accommodations in December of the previous year, 58 per cent of tourists chose hotels as their lodging option. Another 15 per cent opted for holiday homes and apartments, while 14 per cent stayed in holiday parks.