Society
Ghent Moves to Curb Day-Trip Tourism Amid Resident Anger
Ghent acts to reduce day-trippers who 'check off' the city in an hour, responding to resident frustration with measures promoting longer-stay tourism.
—5 min read
Tag
#Ghent
25 articles
Tourism
Ghent's Free-Stay Strategy Pays Off with NYT Feature
Ghent's tourism strategy of free hotel stays for foreign journalists led to a New York Times feature, boosting the Belgian city's international profile.
—5 min read
Society
One Year After Ghent OCMW Murder: What Has Changed?
One year after the murder of OCMW worker Erik Boone in Ghent, safety measures aim to protect social workers, but workload concerns persist.
—4 min read
TourismTravel
NYT Tips Ghent as Alternative to Venice, Amsterdam
The New York Times recommends Ghent among 6 alternative canal cities to overcrowded Venice and Amsterdam, praising its history and walkability.
—4 min read
Society
Racist Banner on E40 in Ghent Sparks Outrage
A racist banner on the E40 in Ghent referencing Sophie Straat's statement was removed by police, reigniting the identity politics debate.
—5 min read
Crime
One Arrested in Ghent Stabbing, Second Suspect at Large
Police in Ghent have arrested one suspect in a stabbing that critically injured a 19-year-old on July 20. A second suspect remains at large.
—4 min read
CultureMusic
Ghent's Most Striking Fanfare Celebrates 20 Years of Music
Die Verdammte Spielerei, Ghent's beloved street fanfare, marks 20 years with daily performances at the Gentse Feesten.
—4 min read
CrimePublic Safety
Violent Incidents Rock Belgium: Four Major Cases in 24 Hours
A fatal Antwerp nightclub shooting, Ghent festival stabbing, Qatargate inspector attack, and Belgian fugitive arrest in Thailand shake Belgium.
—4 min read
CrimePublic Safety
Man Stabbed Near Ghent Festival Zone, Suspects at Large
A 19-year-old man was stabbed near the Ghent Festival zone on Monday. Three masked suspects fled and remain at large as police launch a manhunt.
—4 min read
Culture & Events
Can Gentse Feesten Stay Free? Rising Costs Threaten Event
Europe's largest free street festival faces an uncertain future as rising costs and changing visitor habits threaten its unique funding model.
—4 min read
Culture & Entertainment
Gentse Feesten 2026: Lajoie's Farewell, New Crowd Limits
The 183rd Gentse Feesten opens with five processions, a farewell from cabaret legend Dirk Lajoie, and first-ever visitor limits on the Vlasmarkt.
—5 min read
Accidents & Disasters
Large Fire in Suspected Squat in Ghent Forces Evacuation
A large fire destroyed a suspected squat in central Ghent, collapsing the second floor and forcing the evacuation of 200 hotel guests and residents.
—4 min read
TechnologySociety
Ghent Deploys AI Screen to Curb Night Noise at Festival
Ghent uses an AI-powered smart screen at the Gentse Feesten to nudge festival-goers to keep noise down, blending technology with behavioral science.
—4 min read
Accidents and Disasters
Zain (9) Fighting for Life After Stolen Scooter Hit in Ghent
A 9-year-old girl is fighting for her life with a skull fracture after being hit by a stolen scooter in Ghent. The 14-year-old rider fled but was caught.
—4 min read
Daily News RoundupBelgium
Belgium Roundup: Deadly Oxy Tower Fire, Ghent Hit-and-Run
Six killed in Brussels Oxy Tower fire, 9-year-old Zain critically injured in Ghent hit-and-run, train disruptions, and De Lijn fine collection struggles.
—4 min read
Accident/FireBelgium
Renewi Waste Plant Fire in Ghent Port Brought Under Control
A fire broke out at the Renewi waste facility in the port of Ghent early Friday. Over 70 firefighters responded; no injuries or toxins detected.
—4 min read
TechnologyPrivacy
Ghent Blocks AI Tools Grok and DeepSeek for Municipal Staff
The city of Ghent has blocked access to AI tools Grok and DeepSeek for municipal employees, citing data privacy and security concerns in a landmark move.
—5 min read
Justice
Ghent Appeal Court Finds Defendant Guilty in Transfer Case
A Belgian defendant who went free after five failed prison transfers was found guilty on appeal in Ghent, exposing systemic flaws in prisoner transport.
—4 min read
Economy & Industry
Flanders Offers Volvo €119M to Secure Ghent Factory Future
The Flemish government offers Volvo Cars up to €119 million in subsidies to secure the Ghent factory, protecting 6,500 jobs and Belgium's last car plant.
—4 min read
Local NewsUrban Development
Ghent's Iconic Vlasmarkt Loses Cobblestones to Asphalt
Ghent's Vlasmarkt will lose its historic cobblestones this summer, deemed too dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians, marking the end of an era.
—4 min read
TechnologyEconomy
Ghent Surges to 10th in Global Tech Hub Rankings
Belgium's Ghent ranks 10th worldwide and 4th in Europe for tech density, surpassing New York and Amsterdam with €61B in tech value and four unicorns.
—6 min read
CrimeSociety
Man Tried to Assault Four Women in Broad Daylight in Ghent
A man attempted to assault four women in broad daylight near Ghent-Sint-Pieters station. One victim escaped by pulling her scarf over her mouth.
—3 min read
CrimeBelgium
Court Reconstructs Murder of Ghent OCMW Worker
Belgian court holds reconstruction of the murder of OCMW social worker Erik Boone in Ghent, as lawyer Jef Vermassen describes a difficult day.
—4 min read
TechnologyEconomy
Ghent Ranks 4th in Europe, 10th Globally in Tech Ranking
Ghent jumps to 4th in Europe and 10th worldwide in Dealroom's 2026 tech city ranking, driven by startups, unicorns, and university innovation.
—5 min read
EconomyTechnology
Ghent Leads Flemish Job Creation with €61B Startup Ecosystem
Ghent outpaces all Flemish cities in job creation, driven by a €61 billion startup ecosystem and foreign investment that generated 1,800 new jobs.
—4 min read