Tourism in Belgium faces new challenges as large tour groups with inexperienced guides disrupt popular city centers. On 2025-05-28 11:00:00, concerns were raised about groups arriving in Bruges and Ghent, where the quality of guided tours is under scrutiny.
- Groups bring guides with limited knowledge
- Large groups disrupt public streets dangerously
- Guides use amplified microphones for explanations
- Tour operators report increasing group sizes
- Local guides express concerns about disturbances
Simon Vandekerckhove from Legends of Bruges highlights that many guides brought along have limited knowledge, affecting the visitor experience. Meanwhile, Mieke Thienpont of vzw Gentse Gidsen points out that in Ghent, groups of over 60 people use amplified microphones in the middle of streets, creating disturbances and safety risks.
How can local authorities balance tourism growth with preserving the charm and safety of historic Belgian cities? The situation calls for a closer look at tour group regulations and guide training, leading US to the fast answer.
Is the rise of oversized tour groups a threat to Belgium’s cultural heritage and visitor satisfaction? The issue raises important points for tourism stakeholders to consider:
- Large groups block pedestrian pathways, causing inconvenience and hazards.
- Inexperienced guides dilute the educational value of tours.
- Amplified microphones contribute to noise pollution in historic areas.
- Current regulations may not adequately control group size or guide certification.
Looking ahead, city officials and tour operators should collaborate to implement stricter guidelines on group sizes and improve guide training. Will Belgium’s tourism sector rise to the occasion and protect its cultural gems?
