In a reaction to a video which showed two ladies criticising some of the tourists that go to the beach in Knokke, a mass event in the coastal municipality was organised, specifically "wearing shorts and with a cooler" – the complaint stated in the viral clip.
The video that triggered the event was filmed by reporters from Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, who were asking people in the coastal municipality what they like (and dislike) about it after a successful Flemish television series 'Knokke Off' has proved a hit in Flanders and the Netherlands.
But the two women in question were somewhat snooty about visitors to the town, saying that "Knokke has high standards" and insisting that "this is not the place to come wearing shorts or with coolers." On the topic of "tourists who do not behave", the ladies seemed annoyed by "people who do not use the restaurants, even though there is plenty of opportunity to do so".
In statements that were interpreted as arrogance online, they said that "This is not the beach for those people" and spoke of the "high standard" of the coastal tourist spot, adding that "Everything is expensive here."
Related News
- Suncream season is upon us but what strength to use?
- Could climate change see Belgian coast become overrun with foreign tourists?
The video immediately went viral on social media, as many people called the women snobbish and haughty. A Facebook event created in response urged people to go to Knokke wearing shorts and bringing coolers "just for fun."
In just two days, over 17,000 people already indicated that they are considering going to Knokke beach on Saturday 26 August.
The organiser only created the event as a joke and the majority of those who responded are unlikely to attend, though some have said firmly that they do plan to go, though this may be more to do with the good weather forecast than an act of protest.
