With 48,000 votes from 77 countries, the Belgian city of Leuven has been chosen as one of the five top destinations in Europe in 2022 – doing better than cities like Rome or London.
A list of the best European tourist destinations is compiled every year by European Best Destinations (EBD) and the EDEN Network, an initiative of the European Commission. Leuven was the only Belgian destination on the list and was selected for its "varied offering in heritage, art, culture, science, beer, gastronomy and shopping," according to the organisation.
"I am very proud that Leuven has achieved such a splendid result. I would like to thank everyone who voted for our city," mayor Mohamed Ridouani told local radio, adding that this is the first time a Belgian city has scored so highly.
En we zijn bovendien de ‘Best Open-Minded Destination in Europe’, voor Amsterdam en London. “Leuven is the Belgian miracle, it is the choice of unity in diversity rather than division”https://t.co/BXcuiJG3ao
— Mohamed Ridouani (@MohamedRidouani) February 11, 2022
"The organisation describes Leuven as an engaged city where everything seems possible. There is a lot to do in Leuven, in a unique historical setting," he said. "We like to share this with our visitors from home and abroad. You are always welcome in Leuven."
In the past few weeks, people could vote online for their favourite European destination on the list. Leuven received 48,000 votes from 77 different countries – putting the city in fifth place, ahead of cities such as Rome and London.
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The Slovenian capital Ljubljana was voted number one, followed by Marbella in Spain and Amiens in France, respectively. Plovdiv in Bulgaria finished fourth in Europe.
Additionally, Leuven also finished in first place for "Best Open-Minded Destination in Europe," according to the EDB. Ridouani stressed that this meant that Leuven finished before cities such as Amsterdam and London. "Leuven is the Belgian miracle, it is the choice of unity in diversity rather than division," he quoted the organisation.
More information about the ranking can be found here.
