In 2023, we have travelled more than ever: 23.3 million trips were made, or 2.2% more than in the previous record year 2019. The number of overnight stays has also increased, with a total of 163.6 million days away, or 7.1% more than in 2019. This is what emerged from the latest figures of the travel survey[1] conducted by Statbel, the Belgian statistical office.
The average Belgian made 2.0 trips for a total of 14.2 days last year.
41% of these trips lasted one to three nights and 59% four nights or more. 10% of shorter trips had a professional purpose, compared to only 3% for longer trips.
The two most popular destinations: France and Belgium
Business travel aside, the Belgian population made 21.8 million trips for holidays. Belgium is the first destination (47%) for short stays from one to three nights, followed by France (19%) and the Netherlands (16%).
For holidays of four nights or more, France is the preferred destination (26%), followed by Spain (13%) and Belgium (12%).
While almost all of these short trips (97%) are to an EU country, this proportion amounts to 82% when looking at longer trips.
[1] The travel survey focuses on all trips made, irrespective of the duration, destination and purpose (private or professional). A representative sample of the population is interviewed each quarter about its trips. This survey is harmonised at European level (https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/tourism/overview).