In short: Belgium recorded a record high of more than 46.1 million tourist overnight stays in 2025, up about 3% year-over-year, according to preliminary figures from Statbel. However, the market continues to be driven more by volume than by prices: occupancy rates remain strong, while average prices have shown signs of weakness amid the opening of new hotels. For independent hotels, pricing discipline is becoming crucial.
How many overnight stays will there be in Belgium in 2025?
Just over 46.1 million—a record—representing more than 1.2 million additional overnight stays compared to 2024 (Statbel, provisional figures reported by the Belga news agency). The Brussels-Capital Region remained generally stable: visit.brussels reports 9.63 million overnight stays in 2025, a slight decline of 1.7%.
Are Belgian hotels full?
Yes. According to MKG, as cited by Hospitality ON, the annual occupancy rate for Belgian hotels exceeded 70% in 2025, slightly above the European average. In Brussels, estimates range from about 71% (JLL) to 75% (visit.brussels), depending on the sources and the scope of the analysis.
Why aren't prices keeping up?
According to MKG, average prices showed “some weakness” over the year, and RevPAR rose only modestly, driven by occupancy rather than rates. Several factors contributed to this:
the addition of new rooms, particularly in the mid-range segments;
demand in Brussels, which follows the schedule of the European institutions, with significant fluctuations from week to week;
increased competition among OTAs, where prices can be compared instantly.
JLL also reports that there are nearly 2,000 hotel rooms in the planning stages in Brussels, mostly in the mid-range and upper-mid-range segments.
Do investors have confidence in the Belgian market?
Yes: According to JLL, hotel transactions in Belgium reached 305.5 million euros in 2025, up 44% year-over-year—a growth rate faster than the European average. This is a sign of confidence, but it also signals a more professionalized competitive landscape.
What should independent hotels keep in mind?
Managing prices on a day-to-day basis: In a volume-driven market, every peak date that isn't sold well results in a net loss. Find out what a revenue management audit reveals.
Keep track of the Brussels calendar: European summits, trade shows, conferences, and events cause demand to fluctuate significantly.
Develop segment-based pricing: business, leisure, groups, and seminars do not share the same seasonality or price sensitivity.
Reduce dependence on OTAs: Every direct booking improves your profit margin. Read the latest distribution figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 2025 a good year for the Belgian hotel industry?
In terms of volume, yes, with a record number of overnight stays. In terms of profitability, the picture is more mixed, as average prices rose less than overall activity.
What are the prospects for 2026?
JLL describes a mature market, with opportunities linked in particular to the Neo II convention center project in Brussels, but also economic risks that could weigh on demand for leisure activities.
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Where should I start?
Learn more about our revenue management and distribution services, or let's talk about your hotel.