Study of the perception of tourism among Brussels inhabitants (July 2024)

This study, the TRAVELSAT © Resident Sentiment Index, measures the attitude and support of Brussels residents towards tourism in 30 key categories with detailed information compared to competitors and global standards to help visit.brussels guide its destination development efforts in a sustainable manner.

A normalization in sentiment toward tourism, with post-Covid enthusiasm waning. Although residents’ support remains strong, certain areas for attention are emerging.

1. Positive Attitude Toward Tourism
   Brussels residents remain positive about tourism, which is seen as a driver for vibrancy, cultural and leisure offerings, and heritage preservation. Although support has decreased compared to 2020, sentiment remains within the norm for comparable European cities.

2. Limited Level of ‘Tourismophobia’
   While it has slightly increased, the share of “tourismophobia” remains well below the 10% warning threshold. However, weak signals of rejection should not be overlooked, especially among young people (nearly 1 in 2 tourismophobes is under 35) and in areas with moderate tourism pressure, where the "cost/benefit" ratio is perceived as less favorable.

3. City Pride
   Pride in the city exists but appears less developed and more heterogeneous than elsewhere within the population. While the impact of tourism on the local economy and employment is viewed positively, this is not universally recognized, especially compared to European averages.

4. Strong Desire for Sustainable Tourism
   The vision and expectation for sustainable tourism remain well-anchored across all dimensions (impact on quality of life, better visitor flow distribution, more green spaces, soft mobility, accessibility, enhancement of local offerings...) and are seen as fairly consensual values within the population.

5. Mixed Opinions on Visitor Numbers
   The population is divided between those advocating for an increase in visitor flows and those favoring stability – or even a decrease – in numbers, with a slight preference for national tourism for some and some reservations (by a minority) about the development of business and event tourism.

6. Tourism-Related Nuisances
   Tourism nuisances are seen more as seasonal and are mostly associated with challenges in managing visitor flows that impact quality of life and mobility: noise, waste management, parking issues, traffic congestion... In an inflationary economic context, the impact of tourism on rising rental prices also attracts attention from Brussels residents.

7. Promoting Inclusivity
   Nearly a quarter of Brussels residents would like to be more consulted and better informed when projects are implemented, and 1 in 5 would like to be involved in decision-making.