The Flemish Government has approved a sweeping overhaul of the rules governing short-term holiday rentals, introducing stricter obligations for platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com while giving local authorities greater powers to crack down on illegal accommodation and properties linked to criminal activity.
Tag: Politics
Antwerp sets mobility vision for redevelopment of Koning Albertpark and Grotesteenweg
The City of Antwerp, together with the District of Antwerp and the District of Berchem, has approved a set of mobility principles that will guide the future redevelopment of the area around Koning Albertpark (King Albert Park) and the Grotesteenweg (Grand Causeway).
Design Museum Gent reopens with new wing and expanded exhibitions
Design Museum Gent, in Ghent, reopened on 3 October 2026 following years of renovation and expansion. The redevelopment includes a new museum wing, restored historic buildings, redesigned collection displays and spaces dedicated to experimentation and public participation.
‘Not My Choice’: exhibition on forced marriage opens in Antwerp from 26 October to 16 November
A travelling exhibition exploring forced marriage and abandonment abroad will be shown in Belgium for the first time at Antwerp City Hall and Antwerp-Central Railway Station from 26 October to 16 November 2026. ‘Not My Choice‘ (‘Niet Mijn Keuze‘) features ten portraits: five of people who experienced forced marriage or abandonment abroad, and five of…
Spain nearing France as world’s most visited country
Spain is heading for a record year in international tourism, with more than 100 million foreign visitors expected in 2026. France remains the world’s most visited country, but the gap is narrowing, raising the prospect that Spain could overtake its neighbour as early as 2027. However, the growth of mass tourism is also fuelling concerns…
Antwerp’s Zuidpark wins major European public space award
Antwerp’s Zuidpark or South Park has won the European Prize for Urban Public Space, beating three other finalists from Italy and Spain. The award was presented in Barcelona in Catalonia on 15 October 2026, recognising the transformation of a former car park into a green public park in the Belgian city.
BALTIC STATES | Rail Baltica train tender fails to attract compliant rolling stock bids
A joint tender for Rail Baltica regional trains has failed after none of the bids submitted by train manufacturers met the requirements set by the Baltic passenger rail operators.
Paris–Vienna night train could cut emissions equivalent to almost 4,000 people
Reinstating the Paris to Vienna night train could cut aviation emissions by 30,565 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent a year, according to new research by climate campaigners Back-on-Track Europe and Stay Grounded. The saving is equivalent to the annual consumption-based carbon footprint of almost 3,900 Europeans.
Taiwan tourism: Visitor numbers rise as the island attracts more international travellers
The Philippines in 1996-1997, China in 2000, Vietnam in 2009, Japan in 2013 and 2025, South Korea in 2014 and 2024, Taiwan in 2017 (the starting point of Trip By Trip), Singapore in 2018, Hong Kong and Macau in 2023, Bangkok in Thailand and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia in early 2026. I like travelling to…
NETHERLANDS | The Hague pushes for direct Brussels train from 2029
The Municipality of The Hague in South Holland is stepping up its campaign for a direct international train connection with Brussels in Belgium, backed by a broad coalition of businesses, international organisations, universities and regional authorities.