Brussels representatives have travelled abroad to promote the region since 2006 and for this year's campaign, they will visit two cities in Spain: Madrid and Barcelona.
The aim of "Brussels Days" is to bring the Region into the international spotlight by promoting its economy and tourism, while promoting the local cultural and entrepreneurial talents the city has to offer, as well as the typical Brussels way of life.
For the 17th year of this major international push, Brussels Minister-President Rudi Vervoort and State Secretary for European and International Relations and Foreign Trade Ans Persoons will be in the Spanish capital Madrid and in Barcelona from Monday to Friday.
Third largest tourism market
The two biggest Spanish cities were chosen for this year's Brussels Days with a focus on the economy and tourism, as the country is the third-largest tourism market for Brussels and the tenth-largest market for Belgian goods and services, most of which come from the Brussels Region.
"It is therefore of paramount importance to promote our tourist, as well as economic, cultural and heritage assets there," Vervoort said. An extended Brussels delegation of some 40 companies and representatives of the tourism sector will also take part to promote their work to local tourism players in Spain.
Official meetings will also take place between the Brussels, Madrid and Catalan governments to discuss the common challenges such as mass tourism and tourist accommodation, mobility, sustainability, urban planning and heritage.
During the visit, the second Brussels House will be inaugurated in Barcelona, following the opening of the first one in Milan earlier this year in February. The initiative aims to literally showcase Belgium's capital region and its assets to people abroad.
"I am firmly convinced that Brussels is our best calling card abroad. We should be more proud of our city, of being Brussels people and of our Brussels way of life," said Persoons.
