Security concerns and geopolitical tensions are increasingly influencing Belgians’ choices of holiday destinations, according to the 25th Holiday Barometer by travel insurer Europ Assistance. Despite these worries, the willingness to travel abroad remains strong.
The survey, conducted by research agency Ipsos, polled people in 26 countries, including 15 in Europe. In Belgium, 1,000 individuals participated. The survey began on 27 February 2026, almost coinciding with the outbreak of war in Iran, which likely influenced the results.
Security concerns take centre stage
Geopolitical factors and safety are now the main risks considered when selecting a destination.
A total of 57% of Belgians say they take the possibility of armed conflict into account, compared with just 24% in 2022, the year the war in Ukraine began. The risk of terrorist attacks also remains a significant concern for 48% of respondents.
More Belgians opt for closer destinations
Overall, 72% of Belgians plan to travel at least once this summer, a figure that has remained stable compared with 73% in 2025. However, there is a clear shift towards holidays closer to home.
20% of Belgians have chosen a domestic holiday, an increase of five percentage points from 2025. Meanwhile, 76% are booking trips within Europe, up from 57% last year. While no direct cause was identified, the geopolitical situation is likely a contributing factor.
Long-haul travel has declined in popularity. Trips to Asia or the Middle East have fallen from 10% to 5%, and travel to Africa has dropped from 8% to 4%.
Financial pressures impact holiday budgets
Inflation and other financial pressures are also shaping holiday plans. The average holiday budget for a Belgian household is now €2,545, down 6% from €2,710 in 2025. Despite this decrease, the budget remains €456 above the European average.
The survey highlights how both security concerns and economic factors are reshaping the travel habits of Belgians, even as their enthusiasm for holidays endures.
On the effects on the Strait of Hormuz conflict
- Antwerp diamond trade rebounds amid reforms and geopolitical shifts.
- Global condom and lube prices set to surge as Iran war disrupts supply chains.
- STRAIT OF HORMUZ | Lufthansa Group cuts summer flights to save fuel amid rising costs.
- Taiwan tourism rebounds, Belgian market recovers, but cost pressures and geopolitical risks shape outlook.
- European aviation braces for jet fuel shortage amid worldwide geopolitical crisis.
- Brussels Airport summer 2026 flight schedule: 180 non-stop destinations served by 70 airlines, 8 new routes and 5 new airlines.
- Flemish travellers shift to southern Europe and Africa amid Middle East conflict.
- TUI: Middle East conflict boosts Belgian travel interest in western and southern Europe.
- “We should be more mindful of our travel destinations and the risks they entail”.
On tourism
- Visit Antwerp in a day or two.
- Antwerp Hotel Association laments disappointing Easter Holiday 2026.
- ANTWERP | Love ánd annoyance towards influx of Dutch visitors.
- Antwerp tourism breaks records again in 2025 with strong growth in day visitors, overnight stays and international events.
- Cyprus’ Nicosia 1st, Belgium’s Leuven 4th on Best European Cultural Destinations 2026 list.
- ANTWERP | Record 15.8 million day tourists, 2.7 million overnight stays in 2024.
- ANTWERP | 13.5 million day tourists, 2.6 million overnight stays and less Dutch visitors in 2023.
- ANTWERP | 2022 tourism statistics show recovery towards 2019 numbers.
- ANTWERP | 2.2 million day tourists and 398K overnight stays in the summer of 2023.
- ANTWERP | 2 million day tourists and 337K overnight stays in the summer of 2022.
- ANTWERP | 570,000 visitors in 2025: KMSKA sets new record in third year after reopening.
- Antwerp hoteliers see strong year-end but brace for difficult 2026 as average room rates come under pressure.
- Tourism Flanders tightens Airbnb rules to protect housing for singles.
- Brussels shows strong tourism stats as it’s the leading city in the world for international meetings.
- Flanders continues post-pandemic tourism revival with the help of its beers.
- City of Antwerp prepares crackdown on Airbnb growth amid complaints in Sint-Andries.
- ANTWERP SUMMER 2025 | 2.9 million day-trippers and 552,161 overnight stays.
- INDIA | Skyscanner sees rise of ‘shared experiences’ as travel trend.
- BELGIUM | Flight shame? Airports break records during 2025 summer season.
- Belgium sees record number of overnight stays via online platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.
- Antwerp 5th on 2025 Happy City Index.
- Flanders highlights Castles of the Brussels Green Belt.
- Tourism Flanders to tackle illegal Airbnb accommodations amidst housing shortage reality.
- Belgians choose safety, sustainability and convenience for summer travel: climate change, geopolitical instability and flight convenience shape 2025 holiday trends.
- OVERTOURISM | Alternatives for Venice, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Santorini, Paris, Dubrovnik, London and Rome?.
- Belgians book Asia, vintage travel and boutique hotels for spring and summer 2025.
- There’s more than one way to enjoy a cruise.
- SOLO TRAVEL | More expensive, but also some advantages.
- Flanders updates star classification for hotels.
- OPINION | Travelling on a package holiday.
- Are there too many hotels in Antwerp?.
- Antwerp number 1 of 40 most exciting cities to visit in 2024.
- CLIMATE CHANGE & TRAVEL | Is Belgium ready to be the Spain and Italy of the future?.
- Flanders’ art cities residents still proud of their city, but highlight drawbacks of tourism more
- Antwerp hotel industry demands stricter rules and enforcement for Airbnb as business tourism is not recovering.
- Belgians make 4.5 million day trips to Antwerp every year.
- The Major Flaws of domestic tourism in Belgium.
- Discovering Belgium and the Netherlands in COVID times.
