Dilbeek Unveils Picnic Backpack Tourism Initiative to Promote Local Flavors and Nature
Dilbeek — The municipal government of Dilbeek is launching a new tourism initiative aimed at attracting more visitors through a unique gastronomic offering: the picnic backpack. Visitors can reserve a backpack filled with regional delicacies from one of three designated catering establishments in the municipality, available through September.
The project, spearheaded by the municipality, is intended to stimulate local tourism and support the regional economy. The picnic backpacks, which can be booked in advance, offer a convenient and tasty way for tourists to enjoy unplanned al fresco meals while exploring Dilbeek’s scenic landscapes and walking trails.
“The picnic backpacks can be picked up at three catering establishments in the municipality,” said Véronique De Buyst (N-VA), Alderman for Tourism.
“They are all filled with delicious things from our own region and can be eaten at several nice picnic locations in our municipality.”
By introducing this initiative, Dilbeek aims to both strengthen its local catering businesses and promote its natural beauty to a broader audience.
“We want to attract more hikers and tourists to Dilbeek and introduce them to the beautiful nature and the beautiful walks in our municipality,” De Buyst added. “Many people do not know our municipality yet, and by offering tourist products such as a picnic backpack, we hope to attract more people.”
Hasselt: A Regional Leader in Tourism Innovation
Elsewhere in Belgium, the city of Hasselt has a long-standing reputation for innovative tourism initiatives. Known as the “Capital of Taste,” Hasselt has cultivated a vibrant food and hospitality culture to entice visitors, according to Limburg 2024. The city also focuses on cultural tourism, with prominent landmarks such as the Japanese Garden—Europe’s largest of its kind—established through a cultural exchange with Itami, Japan, and opened in 1992.
Another major development for the city is Kunstenhuis Groenplein, a cultural hub currently under transformation set to open in 2027. This venue is expected to become a central player in Hasselt’s tourism and cultural scene. Other branding campaigns, such as “Smaakmaker Spraakmaker,” showcase the city’s multifaceted approach to attracting tourists.
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