Antwerp hotels struggle with low occupancy as concerns grow
- Antwerp has increased its hotel count from 65 to 75 with over 5,800 rooms since 2019.
- Occupancy rates in Antwerp's hotels are below 70%, raising concerns from local hotel associations.
- To tackle low occupancy, initiatives focusing on conference attractions and managing Airbnb are being implemented.
In 2024, Antwerp has expanded its hotel capacity significantly, growing from 65 hotels with 4,946 rooms in 2019 to 75 hotels with 5,823 rooms. Despite this increase in the number of hotels and available rooms, occupancy rates remain troublingly low, consistently falling below the 70% threshold. Didier Boehlen, a leading figure in the Antwerp Hotel Association, has raised concerns about the city’s ability to attract tourists and fill these accommodations, particularly emphasizing that weekday bookings are particularly weak. To address these challenges, Antwerp's hotel federation is advocating for the attraction of more conferences and events, viewing them as pivotal to boosting tourism and hotel usage. This is considered essential for improving hotel earnings and ensuring sustainable growth in the local hospitality sector. Boehlen has expressed apprehensions about the risk of oversaturation in the hotel market, suggesting that no new hotel developments should be initiated until the existing facilities are adequately utilized. In contrast to Antwerp's hotel expansion and ongoing challenges with occupancy, Ghent, another Belgian city, has decided to halt new hotel developments amidst concerns that existing accommodations are not being filled. This raises critical questions regarding sustainability and market adjustments in the rapidly evolving hotel industry in Belgium. As part of its strategy, Antwerp aims to manage the rising influence of Airbnb and similar lodging services, which are viewed as potential competitors to conventional hotels. Further supporting local tourism, Antwerp is also investing in the development of upscale hotels such as Van der Valk and the five-star Botanic Sanctuary, which provide premium accommodations. There are also plans underway for the Hilton Hotel to expand its facilities. This approach is seen as a way to not only enhance the profile of Antwerp as a travel destination but also cater to affluent visitors, including those attending concerts and other significant events, encouraging them to choose to stay in Antwerp rather than nearby Brussels. Alderman Koen Kennis has lent his support to the upscale developments, indicating confidence in the potential of these hotels to positively impact the city’s tourism landscape. He suggests that while the current focus should be on filling existing hotel rooms, he remains open to considering new projects if they align with market demands and needs. Overall, the Antwerp hotel sector is in a pivotal period where strategic decisions will be necessary to ensure not only the successful operation of existing hotels but also to foster a wider tourism ecosystem that benefits both businesses and the local community.