* +6 points vs.2023
** +15% vs. 2023 : 38
*** -35% vs. 2023 : 31
Sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)
45%
of hotel rooms eco-labelled*
44
Partner infrastructures certified Access-I in 2024**
20
Accommodation certified Bike Friendly in 2024***
Brussels is establishing itself as a sustainable European capital by accommodating green spaces, the circular economy and soft mobility. visit.brussels is playing a key role in this transition by raising awareness among tourism stakeholders and promoting responsible practices to enhance the visitor experience while reducing environmental impact.
In 2024, visit.brussels continued this commitment by participating in the Global Destination Sustainability-Index (GDS-Index), where Brussels ranked 45th out of over 100 destinations with a score of 69.6%. This ranking is used to assess progress and identify areas for improvement.
The eco-responsibility of tourism infrastructures has been further strengthened by the Green Key label, which singles out establishments committed to exemplary environmental management. In partnership with GoodPlanet, Canopea, the Brussels Hotels Association and Brussels Museums, visit.brussels contributed to the accreditation of 70 infrastructures in 2024.
To support the sustainable transition for events, a best practice guide has been developed for conference and festival organisers. It suggests practical solutions for reducing the environmental footprint in terms of mobility, energy, food and waste management.
Cycling tourism was also a key focus area: visit.brussels supported the EuroVelo network, participated in the Tourism on Bike webinar, and, after observing a decline in Bike Friendly label certifications in 2024, will invest in strengthening and sustaining the promotion of the label in order to improve the reception of cycling tourists. A digital campaign was also launched on RouteYou to facilitate access to cycling routes.
Through these initiatives, Brussels is positioning itself as a model destination for eco-friendly tourism, combining attractiveness with an environmental commitment.
Like our sustainability objectives, diversity - including accessibility for all and the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals - is an integral part of the values championed by visit.brussels.
The commitment to accessible and inclusive tourism, aimed at guaranteeing an optimal welcome for all, including people with disabilities, is a fundamental value passionately supported by visit.brussels. In 2024, through a number of strategic initiatives, the objective has been to improve the accessibility of tourist infrastructures and events, while raising awareness of the importance of this approach among the sector's stakeholders.
Access-i, a reference tool in terms of infrastructure accessibility, enables tourist infrastructures in Brussels to benefit from an audit and certification confirming their level of accessibility. In 2024, 9 new partners were supported in this process, bringing the total number of certified facilities to 44, including accommodation, museums and attractions. In addition, three major events - the Bright Festival, the Iris Festival and Brussels Pride - received special support to ensure that their facilities were adapted for people with reduced mobility. This approach is part of our drive to offer an inclusive experience, taking into account the specific needs of visitors with disabilities and promoting tourism that is truly open to all.
In addition, visit.brussels has consolidated its role within the International Social Tourism Organisation (ISTO), playing an active part in the discussions of the working group on accessible tourism. The resulting recommendations have been incorporated into internal communications, the website and Quality Academy newsletters and training courses. This promotes a wider dissemination of best practices in terms of accessibility.
The value of inclusiveness, evident in every one of our actions, is also expressed through certain specific actions. Brussels Pride-In the Capital of Europe (210,000 participants in 2024) is a showcase for the international and national LGBTQIA+ community, raising its profile while defending equality and human rights during a festive day accessible to all. Similarly, La démence Anniversary is the perfect festive setting for members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the capital: the success of this iconic event remains stable year on year and, together with the Pride event, generates significant economic benefits in the Brussels region, particularly in terms of hotel occupancy.
Throughout the year, visit.brussels orchestrates a significant number of unifying events, aimed at absolutely all audiences. It also ensures the neutrality of the images conveyed and the absence of gender stereotypes in both its communication campaigns and promotional materials.
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