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Bruges takes action to address overtourism

News

12 June 2025

Bruges takes action to address overtourism

Urban/city tourism

Changes in tourism demand and opportunities

Well-being of residents

+6 more

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An illustrative photo of people standing around a statue.

Bruges is implementing measures to balance tourism with residents’ quality of life, including banning new hotels, limiting short-term lets, restricting cruise ship arrivals, and promoting ‘quality tourism’.

Publishing org

The Brussels Morning Newspaper

Topics
Geographical descriptors

Belgium

Organisation Type

Company with 250 or more employees

Consumer Organisations

Destination Management & Marketing Organisations

Local Authorities

SMEs (a company with less than 250 employees)

  • Specific types of tourism

    • Urban/city tourism

  • Transition Pathway Strategic Areas

    • Changes in tourism demand and opportunities

    • Well-being of residents

  • Business activities

    • Activities of associations and other organisations supporting tourism

    • Festivals, cultural and entertainment activities

    • Holiday Housing / Apartments and other short stay accommodation

    • Hotel and similar accommodation

    • Operation of historical sites

    • Water (sea, coastal and inland) passenger transport

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In 2024, Bruges, Belgium welcomed 7 million visitors, prompting local authorities to reassess their strategies for managing tourist inflows. According to The Brussels Morning Newspaper, officials introduced several measures aimed at balancing the needs of tourists and residents. These include a ban on new hotel developments, stricter regulations on Airbnb rentals, and limitations on cruise ship arrivals. With this approach, Bruges seeks to prioritise "quality tourism", focusing on residential tourism while moderately reducing day tourism.

For more details on the city's initiatives, please refer to the link available on the left-hand side of the platform.

#Destination management #Adaptation strategies #Sustainable tourism

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