Brussels demographic and tourism decline

Overview

Brussels has recently experienced a period of demographic and economic slowdown. In 2025, the population of the Brussels-Capital Region stagnated, recording an increase of only 39 people after three decades of continuous growth. While the region maintained a positive natural balance, this was offset by an 11% drop in international arrivals and a net loss of residents moving to the Belgian regions of Flanders and Wallonia. Additionally, the number of foreign nationals in the region saw its first decline in 20 years.

This stagnation is accompanied by a decline in the tourism sector during the first half of 2026. Overnight stays in hotels and youth accommodations fell by 3.47%, while total demand including online rentals dropped by 4.32%. Cultural tourism also saw a significant decrease, with museum and attraction visits falling by 9.73%. This downturn was largely driven by reduced demand from major European markets such as the UK, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Entities

Brussels-Capital Region · Brussels Institute for Statistics and Analysis · Schaerbeek · Statbel · Brussels

Timeline

1 day ago

[BUSINESS] 2 sources
Brussels tourism declines in first half of 2026
Brussels tourism slowed in the first half of 2026, with overnight stays and museum visits declining due to lower demand from the UK, Spain, and the Netherlands.
5 days ago

[BUSINESS] 3 sources
Brussels population stagnates after 30 years of growth
Brussels' population stagnated in 2025 with a growth of only 39 people, ending 30 years of continuous increase due to lower international migration and net departures to Flanders and Wallonia.

Sources

brusselssignal.eu · dailydigest.ie · dhnet.be · europesays.com · travelandtourworld.com