Antwerp sees surge in tourism with record number of visitors 

Antwerp once again experienced a rise in visitors last year, with day tourism increasing by 10.6 per cent and overnight stays reaching a record 2.7 million. Business tourism is also on the rise.

Antwerp welcomed 15.8 million day-trippers in 2024, ​ an increase of 10.6 per cent compared to the previous year. Overnight stays also reached a record high, with 2.7 million bookings, up by 6 per cent. 

The city’s tourism alderman, Koen Kennis, described 2024 as a “remarkable year” and highlighted Antwerp’s growing appeal to both domestic and international visitors. While 69 per cent of day-trippers were Belgian, 31 per cent came from abroad, predominantly from the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain.

Winter markets and museums 

December proved to be a particularly busy period, with Christmas shopping and the popular Winter in Antwerp festivities attracting crowds. The busiest day of the year, 28 December, saw 87,400 visitors flood the city’s streets.

Another key driver of Antwerp’s popularity is its rich cultural offering. Museums across the city attracted more visitors than ever (2.8 million), thanks to major exhibitions such as the Ensor showcases and the Come Closer festival at Middelheim Museum. Attractions like the Antwerp Zoo, De Koninck Brewery and the underground Ruien also proved popular with visitors. 

Business

The city is also increasingly establishing itself as a business hub. Meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) tourism saw a 3.6 per cent rise in overnight stays. “This confirms the city’s position as an attractive congress destination”, Kennis said. 

However, individual business travel declined by 12.8 per cent, a trend attributed to cost-saving measures and the increasing shift toward online meetings.

^{#FlandersNewsService | A busy shopping street in Antwerp ©​ BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS}