Flemish Ardennes booming as staycation

The Flemish Ardennes in East Flanders recorded 487,070 overnight stays in 2025, highlighting a growing staycation trend. The total was 5.5% higher than in 2023 as more tourists visited the region. Oosterzele saw stays rise 72.6%, while Brakel recorded a 56.2% increase. Brakel mayor Marleen Gyselinck says enquiries about new holiday accommodation arrive almost weekly.