Belgians to Spend €1,690 on Average for Summer Holidays
Belgians are set to spend an average of €1,690 on their summer holidays this year, according to the Summer Barometer 2026 published by the Vereniging Vlaamse Reisbureaus (VVR), the professional association for travel agencies in Flanders. The figure represents a 5% increase from €1,556 in 2025 and a remarkable 24% rise compared to 2022, signaling that Belgians continue to prioritize travel despite rising inflation and geopolitical uncertainty.
The data, which covers bookings made through more than 600 travel businesses in Flanders and Brussels, shows that demand for summer holidays remains virtually stable compared to previous years. As many as 90% of all trips are booked at least three months before departure, underscoring the strong commitment Belgians have to their summer plans.
A Resilient Travel Market
Koen van den Bosch, Managing Director of VVR, noted that the number of Belgians going on holiday in July and August remains steady. “The number of compatriots going on holiday in July and August remains virtually stable compared to previous years. As many as 90 percent of all trips are booked at least three months before departure,” he said.
This early booking behavior suggests that Belgians view summer holidays as an essential rather than discretionary expense. Despite Belgium’s harmonized consumer price inflation climbing to 4.1% in May 2026, according to Statbel, travel spending has outpaced both inflation and wage indexation over the past three years.
For European and regional trips, the average budget stands at €1,835 per person, up 4.2% from last year. For those venturing further afield, intercontinental travel budgets have risen to €3,803 per person, a significant 10.6% increase.
Shifting Destinations: Greece Rises, Turkey and the US Decline
The 2026 Summer Barometer reveals notable shifts in destination preferences among Belgian travelers. Spain retains its crown as the most popular destination, followed by France in second place. But the biggest story is Greece, which has overtaken Turkey to claim the third spot with a 1.5% increase in bookings.
Turkey, long a favorite for Belgian sun-seekers, has seen a 13% decline in bookings. The VVR attributes this to events in the Middle East between March and April 2026. While interest has partially recovered in recent weeks, the destination has lost ground to its Mediterranean rival.
Italy has also gained traction, climbing with a 3.3% increase in bookings and securing the fifth position. Portugal holds steady at sixth, while the United States has experienced the sharpest decline of any destination in the top 10, with bookings falling 18%. The VVR suggests that Belgians have adopted a wait-and-see approach to intercontinental travel, partly due to concerns over higher fuel prices.
Rounding out the top 10 are Austria (8th), Germany (9th), and Belgium itself (10th), as domestic travel remains a viable option for many.
What This Means for the Travel Industry
The 5% year-on-year increase in average spending is particularly striking given the broader economic context. With inflation running at 4.08% in May 2026, according to Statbel data, the fact that travel budgets are growing faster than the general cost of living indicates that holidays remain a deeply ingrained priority in Belgian household budgets.
The shift away from Turkey and the United States also highlights the geopolitical sensitivity of Belgian travelers. Destinations perceived as stable and within Europe are benefiting, while those affected by regional tensions or high fuel costs are losing appeal. Greece and Italy, in particular, are capitalizing on this trend within Southern Europe.
It is worth noting that the VVR data only captures bookings made through professional travel agencies. Approximately 4 in 10 Belgian travelers use a travel agent, meaning the total travel market—including direct online bookings—is likely even larger.
Looking Ahead
With inflation continuing to rise and geopolitical uncertainties persisting, the key question is whether Belgian travel spending can maintain its upward trajectory. The early booking trend—90% of trips booked at least three months in advance—suggests confidence, but rising fuel prices and potential economic headwinds could temper future growth.
For now, however, the message from the data is clear: Belgians are determined to enjoy their summer holidays, and they are willing to spend more than ever to do so.
This article is based on data from the VVR Summer Barometer 2026, reported by VRT NWS and Belga via MSN. Inflation data sourced from Statbel.