How Belgium surging tourism industry with visa free entry of 102 countries including United States, UK and United Arab Emirates? – Travel And Tour World
Home»News Pick» How Belgium surging tourism industry with visa free entry of 102 countries including United States, UK and United Arab Emirates?
Saturday, June 22, 2024
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Belgium, at the heart of Europe, is a prime destination known for its medieval towns, Renaissance architecture, and its role as the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. It attracts a diverse range of travelers, from business and corporate travelers attending meetings and conferences to leisure travelers and holidaymakers exploring its cultural and historical sites. To facilitate easier and more convenient travel, Belgium, as a Schengen Area member, implements visa-free entry policies for numerous countries. This makes it an attractive destination for both short-term business travel and extended leisure stays. These policies support the influx of holidaymakers eager to explore Belgium’s vibrant cities and scenic countryside, as well as corporate travel professionals attending events and conventions. Below is a detailed breakdown of these policies, categorized by region, along with authentic citations and the footfall from each nation, showcasing how Belgium continues to boost its tourism industry through strategic visa-free entry agreements.
Visa-Free Entry Categories
1. Schengen Area Countries
Citizens of Schengen Area countries enjoy visa-free entry to Belgium, promoting seamless travel across member states.
Countries (in alphabetical order):
Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Footfall: The largest numbers of tourists from Schengen countries visiting Belgium in 2022 came from France (2.5 million), the Netherlands (1.9 million), and Germany (1.2 million).
2. EU/EEA Countries Not in the Schengen Area
EU/EEA countries not part of the Schengen Area also benefit from visa-free travel to Belgium.
Countries:
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Ireland
Romania
Footfall: In 2022, Belgium welcomed approximately 350,000 tourists from Ireland, and 200,000 from Romania.
3. Visa-Exempt Countries Outside the Schengen Area
Belgium offers visa-free entry to citizens of several non-Schengen countries, fostering greater tourism diversity.
Countries:
Albania
Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Dominica
El Salvador
Georgia
Grenada
Guatemala
Honduras
Hong Kong (SAR China)
Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Macao (SAR China)
Malaysia
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
New Zealand
Nicaragua
North Macedonia
Palau
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Serbia
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Taiwan
Timor-Leste
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Vanuatu
Vatican City
Venezuela
Footfall: The most significant numbers of tourists from visa-exempt non-Schengen countries in 2022 were from the United States (1.1 million), the United Kingdom (900,000), and Canada (500,000).
4. Countries with Specific Visa Waiver Agreements
Belgium has bilateral agreements that grant visa-free entry to certain countries not widely exempted by general EU policies.
Countries:
Argentina
Brazil
Japan
South Korea
Israel
United States
United Kingdom
Footfall: In 2022, Belgium saw significant arrivals from Japan (200,000) and South Korea (150,000), benefiting from these specific agreements.
Total Footfall from Visa-Free Countries
To provide a comprehensive view, we sum the international arrivals from the major visa-free regions:
Schengen Area: 8.6 million
EU/EEA Non-Schengen: 550,000
Visa-Exempt Non-Schengen: 2.5 million
Specific Agreements: 350,000
Thus, Belgium welcomed approximately 12 million international tourists from visa-free countries in 2022.
1. Rich Cultural Heritage
Belgium is steeped in history and culture, boasting UNESCO World Heritage sites, medieval towns, and Renaissance architecture.
Brussels: The capital city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Atomium, a symbol of modern architecture.
Bruges: Known as the “Venice of the North,” Bruges enchants visitors with its canals, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved medieval buildings.
Ghent and Antwerp: These cities are rich in art and history, featuring stunning cathedrals, vibrant cultural scenes, and world-class museums.
2. Culinary Delights
Belgium is renowned for its culinary offerings, from decadent chocolates to world-famous beers and hearty dishes.
Belgian Waffles and Chocolates: Indulge in freshly made waffles and artisanal chocolates from renowned Belgian chocolatiers.
Beer Culture: Belgium is a beer lover’s paradise, with a rich tradition of brewing and an extensive variety of beers, including Trappist ales and Lambics.
Gastronomy: With its Michelin-starred restaurants and local delicacies like mussels and fries, Belgium offers a gourmet experience.
3. Strategic Location and Connectivity
Belgium’s central location in Europe makes it a convenient starting point for exploring the continent.
Proximity to Major European Cities: Easily accessible from Paris, Amsterdam, and London via high-speed trains, Belgium serves as a gateway to Europe.
Efficient Public Transport: Belgium boasts an excellent public transportation system, including a reliable train network that connects major cities and neighboring countries.
4. Vibrant Festivals and Events
Belgium hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and arts to food and history.
Tomorrowland: One of the world’s largest electronic dance music festivals, attracting thousands of visitors globally.
Brussels Flower Carpet: A biennial event where the Grand Place is adorned with a stunning flower carpet, drawing crowds from all over the world.
Carnival of Binche: A UNESCO-recognized event known for its vibrant parades and historical significance.
Top Airlines and Airports in Belgium
Top Airlines
Brussels Airlines
Overview: The national carrier of Belgium, Brussels Airlines, offers extensive routes across Europe, Africa, and North America.
Services: Known for its quality service and connectivity, it provides a seamless travel experience with hubs at major airports worldwide.
TUI fly Belgium
Overview: A popular choice for leisure travel, TUI fly Belgium operates flights to various destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Services: Offers affordable travel packages and charter services, catering mainly to holidaymakers.
Ryanair
Overview: A major low-cost airline, Ryanair connects Belgium to numerous European cities, making it a preferred choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Services: Known for its extensive European network and competitive pricing.
Top Airports
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Location: Situated in Zaventem, about 12 km northeast of Brussels.
Overview: The main international gateway to Belgium, handling over 25 million passengers annually.
Facilities: Offers a wide range of services, including extensive shopping and dining options, and serves as a hub for Brussels Airlines.
Charleroi Airport (CRL)
Location: Located 46 km south of Brussels, near Charleroi.
Overview: Primarily serves low-cost carriers like Ryanair, making it a popular airport for budget travelers.
Facilities: Offers basic services and convenient access to many European destinations.
Antwerp International Airport (ANR)
Location: Just 5 km from the city center of Antwerp.
Overview: A smaller airport, focusing on business travel and short-haul flights within Europe.
Facilities: Provides quick and efficient services, ideal for corporate travelers looking for fast connections.
Belgium’s visa-free entry policies significantly boost its tourism industry by simplifying travel for millions of visitors annually. These policies, combined with Belgium’s rich cultural offerings and strategic location in Europe, make it an attractive destination for tourists from across the globe. The ease of entry for Schengen countries, EU/EEA members, and many non-Schengen nations continues to drive Belgium’s tourism success.
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