Belgian capital promoted in Madrid and Barcelona during 'Brussels Days'

Brussels representatives, who have been travelling abroad to promote the region since 2006, will visit the Spanish cities of Madrid and Barcelona for this year's campaign, the Brussels Times writes.

The aim of Brussels Days is to promote the city's economy and tourism, as well as its cultural and entrepreneurial talents. Brussels minister president Rudi Vervoort and state secretary for European and International Relations Ans Persoons will be in Madrid and in Barcelona from Monday to Friday.

Tourism and export market

Spain is the third largest tourist market for Brussels and the 10th largest market for Belgian goods and services, with most of these goods and services coming from the Brussels region.

"I am convinced that Brussels is our best calling card abroad. We should be more proud of our city"

"It is therefore of paramount importance to promote our touristic, economic, cultural and heritage assets there," Vervoort said. An extended Brussels delegation of 40 companies and representatives of the tourism sector are also taking part. Official meetings will take place between the Brussels, Madrid and Catalan governments to discuss common challenges such as mass tourism and tourist accommodation, mobility, sustainability, urban planning and heritage.

"I am convinced that Brussels is our best calling card abroad. We should be more proud of our city, of being Brussels people and of our Brussels way of life," said Persoons.

^{The Grand Place in Brussels © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE}