Travel And Tourism in Belgium
Euromonitor International's Travel And Tourism in Belgium report offers a comprehensive guide to the market at a national level. It looks at travel accommodation, transportation, car rental, tourist attractions and retail travel. It identifies the leading companies and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market, including background information on disposable income, annual leave and holiday taking habits.
Buy online to access strategic market analysis and an interactive statistical database of market size data for travel accommodation, transportation, car rental, travel retail, tourism attractions and health and wellness tourism, tourism inflows and outflows, tourism spending and company and brand shares.
Tables: 102 | Publication date: Nov 2008
Why buy this report
- Get insight into trends in market performance
- Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change
- Identify market and brand leaders and understand the competitive environment
Product coverage
Car rental; Demand factors; Health & wellness tourism; Tourism flows domestic; Tourism flows inbound; Tourism flows outbound; Tourism receipts and expenditure; Tourist attractions; Transportation; Travel accommodation; Travel retail
Executive summary
Healthy economy boosted leisure tourism in 2007
Good economic growth boosted the tourism industry in 2007. Due to strong internal demand and good purchasing power as well as high consumer confidence, Belgians increased their budgets for leisure travel. The bad weather in the summer of 2007 gave people a greater incentive to travel abroad. Winter holidays were also particularly popular. Therefore, outbound holidays increased in 2007 by 5%.
Business tourism is still dominant but faces multiple challenges
Business tourism accounts for a large part of the inbound and domestic tourism flows. Domestic business tourism was dynamic in 2007, boosted by a healthy economy. Some actions were taken in order to stimulate this sector in Brussels but also in the rest of the country, such as Wallonia.
Nonetheless the sector faces multiple challenges. The shutdown of the Palais des Congrès affects the sector although its reopening in 2009 should boost business tourism. The competition with other European cities is fierce for the MICE sector in Brussels. Working on new strategies in order to attract more business tourists is crucial for the Belgian tourism industry.
The transportation sector developed at a fast pace in 2007
The development of low cost carriers has changed the tourism industry over the past few years. It particularly boosted the trend for city breaks in 2007. European capital cities are popular as well as the capital cities of Eastern European countries. In effect, new routes were opened to these countries in 2007, leaving from Brussels airport.
Transport by train also attracted more travellers and has become increasingly trendy. It is seen as a means to avoiding heavy security checks at airports and more environmentally-friendly. Companies tend to take this dimension into account. The improvement of the London-Brussels Eurostar connection is one example of this trend.
E-tourism challenged traditional outlets in the tourism industry
Changes in consumer lifestyles impact and transform the tourism industry. In 2007, on-line bookings especially for airline companies exploded in Belgium. More and more people use the internet as a way of comparing prices and buying travel retail products. Traditional outlets, such as travel agencies and car rental companies have had to adapt to this trend by improving the promotion of their products on-line. The development of dynamic packages poses a challenge to travel agencies. However due to the increasing demand for specialised holidays and the confusion that may arise from the overwhelming information flows on the internet, travel agents remain important in Belgium. The challenge for traditional agencies is thus to offer better quality services and personal advice that cannot be provided via the internet.
Uncertainty about oil prices and economic growth may affect the sector in 2008
The rise in oil prices was mitigated in 2007 by the appreciation of the euro. The good consumer confidence indicators and strong internal demand contributed to the good performance of the tourism industry in Belgium. However, the consumer confidence indicators are less optimistic for 2008. The decrease in households’ purchasing power due to the rise in oil and food prices may affect internal demand in 2008. The political crisis that affected the country in 2007 may also damp down economic growth in 2008 and affect employment rates. Investors’ confidence may be affected by the political turmoil. If the political crisis was to last, it could affect the tourism sector negatively, especially the MICE sector. Events in this sector are usually planned ahead of time, which requires a degree of certainty.
Table of contents
TRAVEL AND TOURISM IN BELGIUM : MARKET INSIGHT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Healthy economy boosted leisure tourism in 2007
Business tourism is still dominant but faces multiple challenges
The transportation sector developed at a fast pace in 2007
E-tourism challenged traditional outlets in the tourism industry
Uncertainty about oil prices and economic growth may affect the sector in 2008
KEY TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS
Economic Indicators
Legislative Environment
Government tourism policy and sustainable tourism
Consumer lifestyles
Low cost carrier development
Emerging niche sectors
Internet developments
TERRORISM AND SECURITY
LEAVE ENTITLEMENT
CONSUMER DEMOGRAPHICS
BALANCE OF PAYMENTS
MARKET INDICATORS
Table 1 Leave Entitlement: Volume 2005-2007
Table 2 Holiday Demographic Trends 2002-2007
Table 3 Holiday Takers by Sex 2002-2007
Table 4 Holiday Takers by Age 2002-2007
Table 5 Length of Domestic Trip: 2002-2007
Table 6 Length of Outbound Departure: 2002-2007
Table 7 Seasonality of Trips 2005-2007
MARKET DATA
Table 8 Balance of Tourism Payments: Value 2002-2007
DEFINITIONS
Tourism Parameters
Travel accommodation
Transportation
Car rental
Travel retail
Tourist attractions
Health and wellness
Internet sales
Internet sales: dynamic packaging
Internet sales: traditional package holiday
Summary 1 Research Sources
LOCAL COMPANY PROFILES - BELGIUM
ARTHEMA VOYAGES ARTS ET CULTURE SA - TRAVEL AND TOURISM - BELGIUM
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 2 Arthema Voyages Arts et Culture SA: Key Facts
COMPANY BACKGROUND
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
BRUSSELS AIRLINES SA - TRAVEL AND TOURISM - BELGIUM
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 3 Brussels Airlines SA: Key Facts
Summary 4 Brussels Airlines: Operational Indicators
COMPANY BACKGROUND
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
Summary 5 Brussels Airlines: Competitive Position 2007
EURAM NV - TRAVEL AND TOURISM - BELGIUM
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 6 Euram NV: Key Facts
Summary 7 Euram NV: Operational Indicators
COMPANY BACKGROUND
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
INTERMED TRAVEL GROUP NV - TRAVEL AND TOURISM - BELGIUM
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
KEY FACTS
Summary 8 Intermed Travel Group NV: Key Facts
Summary 9 Intermed Travel Group NV: Operational Indicators
COMPANY BACKGROUND
COMPETITIVE POSITIONING
TOURISM FLOWS INBOUND IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
INBOUND DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
MODE OF TRANSPORT
PURPOSE OF VISIT
INCOMING TOURIST RECEIPTS BY COUNTRY
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 9 Arrivals by Country of Origin: 2002-2007
Table 10 Leisure Arrivals by Type 2005-2007
Table 11 Business Arrivals: MICE Penetration 2005-2007
Table 12 Arrivals by Method of Transport: 2002-2007
Table 13 Arrivals by Purpose of Visit: 2002-2007
Table 14 Incoming Tourist Receipts by Country: Value 2002-2007
Table 15 Tourism Expenditure by Sector: Value 2002-2007
Table 16 Method of Payments for Incoming Tourist Receipts: % Breakdown 2005-2007
Table 17 Forecast Arrivals by Country of Origin: 2007-2012
Table 18 Forecast Arrivals by Method of Transport: 2007-2012
Table 19 Forecast Arrivals by Purpose of Visit: 2007-2012
Table 20 Forecast Incoming Tourist Receipts by Country: Value 2007-2012
TOURISM FLOWS OUTBOUND IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
DESTINATIONS
OUTBOUND DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
MODE OF TRANSPORT
PURPOSE OF VISIT
OUTGOING TOURIST RECEIPTS BY COUNTRY
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 21 Departures by Destination: 2002-2007
Table 22 Leisure Departures by Type 2005-2007
Table 23 Business Departures: MICE Penetration % Breakdown 2005-2007
Table 24 Departures by Method of Transport: 2002-2007
Table 25 Departures by Purpose of Visit: 2002-2007
Table 26 Outgoing Tourist Expenditure by Country: Value 2002-2007
Table 27 Outgoing Tourist Expenditure by Sector: Value 2002-2007
Table 28 Method of Payments for Outgoing Tourism Spending: % Breakdown 2005-2007
Table 29 Forecast Departures by Destination: 2007-2012
Table 30 Forecast Departures by Method of Transport: 2007-2012
Table 31 Forecast Departures by Purpose of Visit: 2007-2012
Table 32 Forecast Outgoing Tourist Expenditure by Country: Value 2007-2012
TOURISM FLOWS DOMESTIC IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
DESTINATIONS
MODE OF TRANSPORT
PURPOSE OF VISIT
DOMESTIC TOURIST EXPENDITURE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 33 Domestic Trips by Destination: 2002-2007
Table 34 Domestic Trips by Purpose of Visit and by Method of Transport: 2002-2007
Table 35 Domestic Tourist Expenditure: Value: 2002-2007
Table 36 Expenditure per Domestic Trip: 2002-2007
Table 37 Method of Payments for Domestic Tourism Spending: % Breakdown 2005-2007
Table 38 Forecast Domestic Trips by Purpose of Visit and by Method of Transport: 2007-2012
Table 39 Forecast Domestic Tourist Expenditure: Value: 2007-2012
TRAVEL ACCOMMODATION IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
HOTELS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
Table 40 Travel Accommodation Sales by Sector: Value 2002-2007
Table 41 Travel Accommodation Outlets by Sector: Units 2002-2007
Table 42 Regional Hotel Parameters 2007
Table 43 Travel Accommodation by Sector: Number of Rooms 2002-2007
Table 44 Travel Accommodation by Sector: Number of Beds 2002-2007
Table 45 Travel Accommodation Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2002-2007
Table 46 Hotel National Brand Owners by Market Share 2003-2007
Table 47 Hotels National Brand Owners by Key Performance Indicators 2007
Table 48 Forecast Travel Accommodation Sales by Sector: Value 2007-2012
Table 49 Forecast Travel Accommodation Outlets by Sector: Units 2007-2012
Table 50 Forecast Travel Accommodation Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2007-2012
TRANSPORTATION IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
AIRLINES
PRIVATE JETS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 51 Transportation Sales by Sector: Value 2002-2007
Table 52 Airline Capacity: 2002-2007
Table 53 Airline Utilisation: 2002-2007
Table 54 Airline % Utilisation 2002-2007
Table 55 Airline Volume Sales by Seat Class: % Breakdown: 2002-2007
Table 56 Airline Volume Sales by Distance: % Breakdown: 2002-2007
Table 57 Transportation Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2002-2007
Table 58 Airline Market Shares 2003-2007
Table 59 Airlines National Brand Owners by Key Performance Indicators 2007
Table 60 Forecast Transportation Sales by Sector: Value 2007-2012
Table 61 Forecast Transportation Internet Sales by Sector: Internet Transaction Value 2007-2012
CAR RENTAL IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 62 Car Rental Sales by Sector and Location: Value 2002-2007
Table 63 Structure of Car Rental Market: 2002-2007
Table 64 Average Car Rental Duration by Sector 2004-2007
Table 65 Average Car Rental Duration: % Breakdown 2004-2007
Table 66 Time of Booking: % Breakdown 2005-2007
Table 67 Car Rental Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2002-2007
Table 68 Car Rental Market Shares 2003-2007
Table 69 Car Rental National Brand Owners by Key Performance Indicators 2007
Table 70 Forecast Car Rental Sales by Sector: Value 2007-2012
Table 71 Forecast Car Rental Internet Sales by Sector: Internet Transaction Value 2007-2012
TRAVEL RETAIL IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
GROWTH SECTORS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 72 Travel Retail Outlets by Sector: Units 2002-2007
Table 73 Travel Retail Products Sales: Value 2002-2007
Table 74 Travel Retail Sales by Destination: % Value Breakdown 2002-2007
Table 75 Travel Retail Products Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2002-2007
Table 76 Travel Retail Internet Sales by Sector: Internet Transaction Value 2002-2007
Table 77 Travel Retail Products Market Shares 2003-2007
Table 78 Travel Retail Products National Brand Owners by Key Performance Indicators 2007
Table 79 Forecast Travel Retail Outlets by Sector: Units 2007-2012
Table 80 Forecast Travel Retail Products Sales: Value 2007-2012
Table 81 Forecast Travel Retail Products Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2007-2012
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 82 Tourist Attractions by Sector: Value 2002-2007
Table 83 Tourist Attractions by Sector: 2002-2007
Table 84 Tourist Attractions Internet Sales by Direct Suppliers and Intermediaries: Internet Transaction Value 2002-2007
Table 85 Leading Tourist Attractions by Visitors 2002-2007
Table 86 Forecast Tourist Attractions by Sector: Value 2007-2012
Table 87 Forecast Tourist Attractions by Sector: 2007-2012
Table 88 Forecast Tourist Attractions Internet Transaction Value Sales by Sector: Internet Transaction Value 2007-2012
HEALTH & WELLNESS TOURISM IN BELGIUM
HEADLINES
TRENDS
PROSPECTS
SECTOR DATA
Table 89 Number of Hotel/Resort Spas: Units 2002-2007
Table 90 Spa Sales by Type: Value 2002-2007
Table 91 Spa Consumer Markets: Domestic Tourism 2005-2007
Table 92 Spa Consumer Markets: Arrivals 2005-2007
Table 93 Forecast Spa Sales by Type: Value 2007-2012