Antwerp Hotel Expansion: 75 New Properties, 5,823 Rooms, Didier Boehlen Voices Concerns

Antwerp (Eurotoday): Antwerp now has 75 hotels with 5,823 rooms, up from 65 hotels in 2019. However, occupancy rates are below 70%. Didier Boehlen from the hotel association is concerned and wants to attract more conferences. The city plans to manage Airbnb and support new upscale hotels like Van der Valk and Botanic Sanctuary to increase tourism.

A few years ago, the Park Lane luxury care center in Antwerp lost its permit because of staff shortages and building issues. The building stayed empty until the Dutch hotel chain Van der Valk turned it into a luxury hotel, which has now opened. Another hotel is opening where the old Zillion nightclub was, and the Hilton Hotel is expanding. In 2019, Antwerp had 65 hotels with 4,946 rooms, but by May 2024, there are now 75 hotels with 5,823 rooms. Didier Boehlen from the Antwerp Hotel Association says there aren’t enough tourists to fill all these rooms, especially during the week.

How is Antwerp addressing low hotel occupancy rates?

Antwerp’s hotel federation is worried about low hotel earnings and usage rates below 70 percent. Didier Boehlen said they want to attract more conferences to bring in tourists. Ghent, which stopped new hotels, and Antwerp plans to control Airbnbs to prevent them from taking over. Boehlen believes this is important to keep tourism positive for residents.

Antwerp’s hotel federation thinks no new hotels should open for now, focusing instead on filling existing ones. Alderman Koen Kennis agrees but won’t rule out new projects if they meet market needs. Recently, hotels like Van der Valk and the five-star Botanic Sanctuary have added upscale rooms, which Kennis is happy about. This allows visitors, such as those attending concerts, to stay in Antwerp instead of traveling to Brussels. He believes there’s no oversupply in the high-end hotel market right now.


Comments

One response to “Antwerp Hotel Expansion: 75 New Properties, 5,823 Rooms, Didier Boehlen Voices Concerns”

  1. london fox Avatar
    london fox

    Oh joy, 75 hotels and still not enough tourists to fill a single room on a Tuesday! Maybe we should start handing out free waffles at the door – that ought to do the trick! 😂🏨

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Last News

MEP Fidias Panayiotou Announces Candidacy for Cypriot Parliament

MEP Fidias Panayiotou Announces Candidacy for Cypriot Parliament

In accordance with Cypriot electoral law, Fidias Panayiotou must relinquish one of his seats, as the country’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for May.
Known as “Fidias,” Panayiotou has accumulated approximately 2.6 million followers on his YouTube channel since 2019. He gained notoriety by undertaking a quest to hug billionaire Elon Musk, a mission he eventually accomplish

Read More

Regulatory Action Triggered in Brussels by TikTok’s EU Rules Breach

Regulatory Action Triggered in Brussels by TikTok’s EU Rules Breach

Brussels, February 6, 2026 — According to  Brussels Morning Newspaper, European Union regulators on Thursday confirmed formal proceedings against TikTok, citing concerns linked to a TikTok EU rules breach involving platform design and user safety obligations. The decision follows an extensive regulatory review and reflects the European Union’s intensifying efforts to hold major technology platform

Read More

Why Europe Is The Epicenter Of Global Sports And Culture

Why Europe Is The Epicenter Of Global Sports And Culture

Europe’s global impact on sport and culture extends beyond “old world charm.” It results from compact cities, a rich heritage attracting year-round travelers, competitions broadcast instantly, and institutions shaping modern sport rules. Europe’s standing also hinges on its response to current challenges like access, inclusion, labor rights, safety, and the environmental impact

Read More

Shein’s Donald Tang Messaged Epstein Multiple Times, Documents Show

Shein’s Donald Tang Messaged Epstein Multiple Times, Documents Show

Stern, who passed away in 2020, served as the director of the startup contest Pitch@Palace, which was owned by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, previously known as Prince Andrew, and ceased operations in November 2025.
‘Anytime for you’
The documents reveal that Epstein and Tang planned a phone call and two meetings, once in 2011 and twice in 2012. In June 2011, Epstein emailed, “donald, can we speak o

Read More

Williams Strategy in Houston Shaped by AI Energy Supply

Williams Strategy in Houston Shaped by AI Energy Supply

Houston, February 6, 2026 — Eurotoday Newspaper — Williams is actively evaluating the acquisition of gas producing assets as part of a long term strategy to reinforce AI energy supply for hyperscalers, according to industry sources. The move comes as artificial intelligence continues to drive unprecedented growth in electricity demand, reshaping how energy infrastructure companies position themsel

Read More

Famous Figures and Their Beliefs

Famous Figures and Their Beliefs

The beliefs of celebrities always capture media attention. Their practices fuel debates, and armies of fans rally in their defense. It’s interesting to see famous individuals embracing the same ideas as ordinary people. These beliefs often become popularized, with regular folks remembering the celebrities’ names and their beliefs.
Celebrities come from various fields, like sports, ac

Read More

"How Keir Starmer Aims to Survive and Prevent a Coup"

"How Keir Starmer Aims to Survive and Prevent a Coup"

The approaching challenge 
The immediate concern is addressing the impending release of files regarding Mandelson’s appointment, a transparency measure that could be detrimental to Starmer, his senior team, and the former envoy.
Successfully navigating this situation could position him advantageously, if approached with caution and resilience.  
A former aide, who worked closely with Starmer and s

Read More

Milano Cortina Games Reveal Dual Opening Ceremony in Italy

Milano Cortina Games Reveal Dual Opening Ceremony in Italy

Italy, February 6, 2026 — According to Eurotoday Newspaper, preparations are accelerating across northern Italy as the Milano Cortina Games approach, with organizers confirming that the Winter Olympics will open through a rare dual-city ceremony staged in Milan and Verona. The announcement places Italy at the center of international attention as expectations build for one of the most ambitious cer

Read More

Monodrama Honoring St. Maria (Skobtsova) Performed in Paris

Monodrama Honoring St. Maria (Skobtsova) Performed in Paris

On January 25, 2026, the monoplay “Mother Maria” premiered in Paris, highlighting the life of Mother Maria (Skobtsova), an exceptional figure of Christian sainthood from the 20th century and the new spiritual patroness of Paris.
The play is more than a theatrical piece; it is an in-depth meditation on holiness emerging amidst human hatred, on suffering and ultimate love. St. Mother Ma

Read More

Labour Outrage at Mandelson Scandal ‘Off the Scale’

Labour Outrage at Mandelson Scandal ‘Off the Scale’

Labour MPs, dissatisfied with Starmer’s leadership amid poor polling, are openly calling for a revamp of the prime minister’s team.
“Something needs to give,” said Labour MP for Southport, Patrick Hurley, on Times Radio. “Something needs to change.”
Hurley criticized the ongoing situation as a “distraction on steroids” from the government’s objectives and expressed his own extreme frustratio

Read More