On 3 April, the first visit.brussels Night celebrated Brussels' record-breaking year. The ceremony brought together all those who have contributed to the city's success, from tourism and culture to major events. Here's a look back at some of the highlights.
The event was kicked off at the Mix in Watermael-Boitsfort. Light effects, clinking glasses, and friendly smiles: Brussels is celebrating its success. The city has every reason to pop the corks: in 2024, the capital recorded nearly 10 million overnight stays, a record figure that exceeds pre-Covid levels. This achievement was celebrated on Thursday 3 April, at the first edition of visit.brussels Night. This ceremony now brings together two key events: the ‘visit.brussels Awards’ and the ‘Business Events Ambassadors’ programme. It's a way of showcasing talent in both the leisure and business tourism sectors.
A single event for two worlds
Six cultural and tourism projects were honoured on stage, demonstrating the creativity and local commitment of Brussels. The 2025 winners were Festival Anima (International Icon Award), Stoclet 1911 (Best Smart experience Award), MolenFest (Best Co-creation Award), the exhibition Un siècle de BD belge au Musée de la BD (Treasure Award), the platform Belge une fois (Digital Content Creator of The Year Award) and Hungry Mary Food Tours (Best Reviews Award). The jury's criteria included originality, local roots, sustainability and inclusion.
In terms of events, the evening also paid tribute to the Brussels Business Events Ambassadors, the organisers who are helping to raise Brussels' international profile. Since 2017, thanks to this programme, the capital has hosted 135 international conferences, generating more than 300,000 professional visitors and €250 million in economic impact for Brussels. The 13 personalities honoured this year include Emily Timney (AMI Plastics), Michel Arrion (World Cocoa Conference), and Bettina Boon-Falleur (Ethereum Community Conference).
Tourism on the rise, employment in sight
Leisure, culture, international conferences: Brussels is attractive, and it shows. However, beyond the trophies and figures, there are also social and economic issues at stake. ‘We hope to achieve 80% hotel occupancy. These are industries that can generate massive employment’, stresses Rodolphe Van Weyenbergh, Secretary General of the Brussels Hotels Association, the organisation representing the Brussels hotel sector. In order to maintain this momentum, we will need to continue to strengthen the hospitality infrastructure.
The visit.brussels Night has certainly found its place in the Brussels calendar. An evening to thank those who bring the capital to life and remind everyone that tourism is an important part of Brussels' future.
Find the full list of winner here!