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Antwerp Hotel Association laments disappointing 2026 Easter Holiday

Posted by Timothy on

Antwerp’s hotels experienced a less successful Easter Holiday than hoped, according to the Antwerp Hotel Association. While rooms were well occupied during the Tour of Flanders weekend, a poor second week dragged the average down.

With an occupancy rate of 70% and an average room price of €116, the city’s hotel sector performed similarly to the previous year’s Easter holiday. However, operators were not entirely satisfied, as – unlike in 2025 – Antwerp had a major crowd-puller this year: the start of the Tour of Flanders.

The cycling weekend, which also enjoyed fine weather, largely saved the situation. Hotel occupancy reached 84%, with an average room price of €135, compared to 70% occupancy and €120 during the same weekend last year.

Domestic tourists dominate

The rest of the holiday period was lacklustre, particularly the second week, explained Didier Boehlen, chair of the Antwerp Hotel Association. He attributed this to several factors, including neighbouring countries – France, the Netherlands, and Germany, but also Wallonia – not being on holiday, which meant Antwerp relied mainly on domestic travellers. Poor weather during the final weekend of the holiday also played a role.

Geopolitical and economic challenges

Boehlen added that the unstable geopolitical context further affected tourism. The conflict in the Middle East had reduced the availability of key transit airports for long-haul travel, impacting visitors from Africa and Asia.

In uncertain economic times, businesses were also cautious about booking corporate travel, often making reservations at the last minute. Boehlen noted that midweek occupancy remained very low, a trend that had persisted since the coronavirus crisis. He emphasised that Antwerp’s hotels now depended heavily on weekends.

Last-minute bookings and pricing pressures

Tourists, too, were increasingly waiting until the last moment to book, Boehlen observed. This made it harder for hotels to adjust prices, as last-minute bookings often forced them to keep rates low out of fear. He also highlighted the recent increase in alternative accommodation options, such as Airbnb, alongside the city’s 7,000 hotel rooms.

VAT increase adds to challenges

The rise in VAT on accommodation from 6% to 12% on 1 March had not helped either. Boehlen explained that hotels had been unable to fully pass on this increase, resulting in a slight drop in the average price before tax.

Reasons for optimism

Despite these challenges, the hotel association remained optimistic. May would bring extended weekends, and the Dutch would take their May holidays. Boehlen pointed out that Dutch visitors were Antwerp’s largest customer base and that a recent VAT increase in the Netherlands- from 9% to 21% – might encourage more Dutch tourists to cross the border, finding domestic stays too expensive.

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