Belgian coast expects 400,000 visitors this weekend

Businesses on the Belgian coast are getting ready to welcome 400,000 visitors over the long Belgian national holiday weekend.

Tourist office Westtoer says hotels by the seaside have reported a 95% occupancy rate this weekend - with the hope of further last-minute bookings if the weather is good.

The 21 July holiday - and the weekend closest to the 15 August - are crucial for local business.

Most seaside towns have a busy agenda, from fireworks and sand sculptures in Ostend to a celebration of Magritte in Knokke. See our guide to the Belgian coast here…