Abstract

This paper analyzes the perspectives of turning the crisis into opportunities for Brussels tourism industry. The tourism sector in Brussels has been facing significant challenges in recent years, particularly due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to data from the Tourism Observatory, the number of overnight stays in Brussels decreased by 72% in 2020 compared to the previous year. This sharp decline can be attributed to the travel restrictions and lockdown measures implemented to contain the spread of the virus, as well as the overall reduction in demand for business travel and tourism.The pandemic has also had a significant impact on the hotel industry in Brussels, with many hotels that was forced to temporarily close or operating at reduced capacity due to decrease in demand. However, some hotels adapted by offering new services such as workplaces, outdoor dining options, and enhanced hygiene measures to attract customers and meet their changing needs. In addition to the pandemic, the tourism sector in Brussels has also been affected by other factors such as the increase in short-term rentals and the rise of alternative accommodation options such as Airbnb. This has led to concerns about the impact on the hotel industry and the overall quality of life for residents in certain areas of the city. In 2020, the city launched initiatives to support the hotel industry and promote the safety and well-being of tourists, such as the Brussels Health Safety Label, which certified hotels and other tourism businesses that complied with strict hygiene and safety measures.

Keywords: Hospitality, Tourism, Brussels, Industry, Opportunities, Infrastructure, Statistics, Tourism, Improvements, Audit