Security concerns increasingly shape Belgians' holiday choices
Security concerns and geopolitical tensions are playing an increasingly important role in the choice of holiday destinations. However, people remain willing to travel abroad, according to the 25th Holiday Barometer by travel insurer Europ Assistance.
For the survey, research agency Ipsos questioned people in 26 countries, including 15 in Europe. In Belgium, 1,000 people took part. The survey began on 27 February and therefore almost coincided with the start of the war in Iran, which most likely influenced the results.
Geopolitical factors and safety concerns are now cited as the main risk factors when choosing a destination. In total, 57 per cent of Belgians say they take into account the possibility of armed conflict. By comparison, in 2022, the year the war in Ukraine broke out, this was an important factor for just 24 per cent of Belgian travellers. The risk of terrorist attacks also remains a significant concern for 48 per cent.
Fewer faraway holidays
Overall, 72 per cent of Belgians say they plan to travel at least once this summer. That figure has remained broadly stable compared with 73 per cent in 2025. But an increasing number of travelers are opting for a holiday closer to home.
Twenty per cent of Belgians have chosen a holiday in their home country, up five percentage points from 2025. Around three quarters of Belgians, or 76 per cent, are booking a trip within Europe, a notable increase from 57 per cent last year. While no direct cause was identified, the geopolitical situation is likely to have played a role here as well.
Trips to Asia or the Middle East, meanwhile, have become clearly less popular, falling from 10 to 5 per cent. Travel to Africa dropped from 8 to 4 per cent.
Finally, inflation and other financial pressures are also affecting holiday plans. The average holiday budget for a Belgian household stands at 2,545 euros, down 6 per cent from 2,710 euros in 2025. Even so, that remains 456 euros above the European average.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER
Related news
