Visit Brussels

Visit Brussels
Name	Visit Brussels
Type	Tourism promotion agency
Founded	1980s
Headquarters	Brussels, Belgium
Area served	Brussels-Capital Region

Visit Brussels is the official tourist information and promotion body for the Brussels-Capital Region, responsible for marketing Brussels as a destination, coordinating with local authorities such as the City of Brussels and the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region, and providing information services to visitors and stakeholders including the European Commission, European Parliament delegations, and international delegations. It liaises with cultural institutions like the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, the BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts, and heritage sites such as the Grand-Place and the Atomium to curate itineraries and campaigns targeting markets served by airports including Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport.

Overview

Visit Brussels operates as a regional promotion agency interacting with municipal partners like the Municipality of Schaerbeek, the Municipality of Ixelles, and the Municipality of Anderlecht, as well as national bodies including the Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs and the Wallonia-Brussels Tourism Federation. It targets visitor segments from source markets represented by embassies such as the Embassy of the United States, Brussels, tourism trade fairs such as ITB Berlin, and networks like European Cities Marketing and the World Tourism Organization. Promotional platforms include collaboration with hospitality groups like AccorHotels, convention bureaus such as the Brussels Convention Bureau, and cultural festivals including Brussels Summer Festival.

History and Development

The institution emerged from post-World War II urban development and European integration processes anchored by entities like the Benelux Union and events such as the formation of the European Economic Community. Early strategic shifts reflected influences from planners associated with projects like the Brusselization debates and initiatives tied to the Brussels Expo 58 legacy. Governance reforms paralleled regionalization acts passed by the Belgian Federal Parliament and coordination with agencies including Belgian Tourist Office (BTO) predecessors and municipal tourist offices in Saint-Gilles and Molenbeek-Saint-Jean. Strategic rebrandings responded to global trends highlighted at forums such as EXPO 2000 and partnerships with cultural institutions like the Royal Palace of Brussels and the Magritte Museum.

Attractions and Landmarks

Visit Brussels promotes a spectrum of attractions across the Brussels-Capital Region, from historic squares like the Grand-Place—a UNESCO World Heritage site—to modern landmarks such as the Atomium and the European Quarter featuring the Berlaymont building. It highlights museums including the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM), the Belgian Comic Strip Center, the Museum of Natural Sciences, and the Museum of the City of Brussels housed in the Maison du Roi. Neighborhoods emphasized include Sablon, Marolles, Place Sainte-Catherine, and Les Marolles with markets like the Jeu de Balle flea market. Green spaces and cultural venues promoted include the Parc de Bruxelles, Bois de la Cambre, Forest National, and performance halls such as Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie and Ancienne Belgique.

Events, Festivals and Culture

Programming leverages recurring events like Brussels Flower Carpet, Christmas in Brussels, and the Brussels Jazz Marathon, while supporting international gatherings hosted at venues such as Brussels Expo and the Palais des Beaux-Arts. Visit Brussels works with festival organizers for events like Couleur Café, Pukkelpop partnerships, and the Belgian Pride parade in coordination with LGBTQ+ organizations. Cultural collaborations include patronage ties with the Royal Flemish Theatre (KVS), the Théâtre Royal du Parc, the Wiels Contemporary Art Centre, and comic art celebrations honoring creators associated with works like The Adventures of Tintin and artists linked to Hergé. Promotional campaigns reference gastronomy scenes around institutions such as the Maison Antoine friterie, chocolatiers like Godiva, and breweries including Cantillon Brewery.

Practical Information for Visitors

Visitor services promoted include multilingual assistance at information centers located near hubs like Brussels-Central railway station, directions to transit options including STIB/MIVB tram and metro networks, and guidance for intercity rail via SNCB/NMBS and international connections such as Eurostar and Thalys. Accessibility information references nearby airports (Brussels Airport, Brussels South Charleroi Airport), taxi services including those affiliated with Taxis Verts, and bicycle initiatives linked with Villo!. Health and safety coordination involves liaison with emergency services like 112 (emergency number), while visitor accommodations span historic hotels like Hotel Amigo and chains including NH Hotel Group. It also advises on currency and banking with institutions such as the National Bank of Belgium and practicalities for visa applicants interacting with consular services like the Embassy of France in Belgium.

Economy and Tourism Management

Visit Brussels contributes to the local visitor economy by coordinating destination marketing with stakeholders such as the Belgian Travel Association (ABTO), the Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce, and the Brussels Regional Employment Office to maximize impacts from conference tourism generated by entities like the European Commission and major conventions hosted at Brussels Expo. Performance metrics are assessed against indicators monitored by organizations like UNWTO and regional statistical agencies including Statbel. Funding and governance involve municipal budgets from the City of Brussels and partnerships with private sector players such as Brussels Airlines and hospitality groups like AccorHotels and Hilton Worldwide. Strategic planning aligns with European funding instruments including European Regional Development Fund initiatives and urban cultural policies shaped by the Council of the European Union and municipal cultural departments.

Category:Tourism in Brussels