Brussels has been rocked by four shootings in the past week. The region's hotels are increasingly concerned about whether this brazen violence will deter tourists from visiting the Belgian capital.
A new shooting occurred in the Peterbos district of Anderlecht on Thursday night, resulting in one death. It's the fourth shooting in three days: two others took place in Anderlecht and one in Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode. The first shooting in the Clemenceau district of Anderlecht resulted in an hours-long manhunt for the two gunmen and made international headlines.
"The situation is obviously dramatic. There's no doubt about it," President of the Brussels Hotel Association, Willem van der Zee, told The Brussels Times. He confirmed that these incidents have spurred concerns among hotels in the region that this will scare off tourists.
"First and foremost, I am sorry for the loss of life, and the suffering of residents. But this is not good for the international image of Brussels."
'Don't be put off'
Violence has deterred international visitors in the past. Following the attacks in Paris on 13 November 2015, the subsequent rising terror threat in Belgium and finally the attacks in Brussels and Zaventem on 22 March 2016, the number of overnight stays in Brussels dropped significantly. Such incidents can cause long-term reputational damage.
Businesses now worry that the recent drug-related violence may be a new reason for people to avoid Brussels. Travel advice by the United Kingdom warns that "Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Belgium." The government website reads: "regular incidents of violent crime among organised crime gangs involved in drug trafficking, particularly in Antwerp, Brussels and other large cities".
It notes that confrontations between rival gangs have led to violent incidents including stabbings, shootings and the use of homemade explosives. "The risk mostly affects those involved in drug crime, but there is always the risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time."
A police van in a pedestrian street around the Grand Place in Brussels city centre, Saturday 21 December 2024. Credit: Belga
Van der Zee stresses that there is no reason for tourists to postpone trips. "Not all areas in the region are unsafe. There are still plenty of ways to visit Brussels safely."
He noted that the areas where the most recent incidents occurred are located outside the tourist and business routes. "The most popular hotels are generally all located in different locations than where the attacks took place."
However, shootings have also taken place closer to the tourist-heavy city centre, including near Place Anneessens and on Toison d'Or, a popular shopping street. Additionally, the area around Brussels-Midi railway station, where most international travellers arrive in Brussels by train, is a hotbed of drug trafficking and violence.
Opportunity cost
It isn't only hoteliers who worry about the image of Brussels as a city overrun by violence. The Brussels Chamber of Commerce (BECI) has long highlighted the opportunity cost of a capital that fails to get a grip on crime.
Speaking to The Brussels Times in November, BECI director Thierry Geerts said that the perception of an unsafe city is putting off investors, depriving Brussels of vital investment. Some companies are even organising bus services to take employees to their premises.
"We've been saying it for months: security is essential to restore a dynamic economic climate in Brussels. The new Federal Government has made a commitment to prioritise national security – including in the capital. The recent incidents are dramatic and come as an enormous blow to businesses. We urgently need a Brussels government."
Police in Brussels. Credit: Belga
Political deadlock
Van der Zee argued the sector is rightly concerned about what politicians are going to do in response to these shootings. The 19 Brussels municipalities decided on Thursday evening to switch to a unified command between police zones to guarantee safety in the region. From Friday, teams from the City of Brussels/Ixelles police zone will patrol in areas identified as risky (Anderlecht and in the south of Brussels), Belga News Agency reported.
Chair of the Conference of Mayors Phillippe Close (also mayor of the City of Brussels) has said that a unified SWAT team between the Brussels police zones could be beneficial. He also referred to the controversial merging of police zones, as agreed in the De Wever coalition agreement, noting that cooperation already exists and will automatically take effect if necessary. "I am open to improvement but the people expect solutions and concrete actions now."
Van der Zee also stressed that the lack of a Brussels government, which is "problematic in itself", becomes a particular sticking point in such challenging times when guidance is needed.
On the Federal level, Home Affairs Minister Bernard Quintin (MR) and Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) have spoken out about this week's shootings, stating they are in favour of dispatching more police on the streets of Brussels in the short term. There will also be reinforced international coordination to prevent illegal arms sales.
