Flemish Brabant launches new tourist booklet for expats

The tourism agency for the province of Flemish Brabant has produced a booklet in English specifically aimed at foreigners living in and around Brussels. The agency wants to introduce them to the attractions of the province, which surrounds the capital.

“Expats are a specific target group,” says Monique Swinnen, provincial deputy for tourism. “They are international employees who have settled temporarily. We want to motivate them to come and discover Flemish Brabant.”

Recognising that “expats are neither international tourists nor typical locals,” the region saw the need to produce tourist information specifically designed for their needs. “With this brochure, we want to introduce them to the versatility of Flemish Brabant as a surprisingly green area in very close proximity to the capital.”

The 80-page booklet is the work of six bloggers: Wondrous Wanders, Culture Trip Brussels, CheeseWeb, Wonderful Wanderings, S Marks The Spots and Discovering Belgium. The writers were sent into the province to see what they could discover, and the brochure recounts their experiences.

“I’m really pleased to be part of this initiative to inform expatriates about how many wondrous places they can see close to home,” said Wendy Deyell of Wondrous Wanders. “This brochure will show the expat community how easy it is to enjoy a fabulous getaway that’s right on their own doorstep.”

The booklet is free and can be picked up from municipal welcome services or downloaded online.

Photo: Beersel Castle, just 12 kilometres southwest of the centre of Brussels. ©De Rand