flanders
75
Fields of DREAMS
Northern Belgium fi nds itself in the news in 2014 as visitors fl ock to the battlefi elds and villages that featured in World War One, but the region is ripe for a visit at any time of the year, says Jeannine Williamson
D
uring World War One a million soldiers were either wounded, went ‘missing’ or were killed in action in Flanders.
This year, 100 years on, the area in northern Belgium has been in the spotlight as people visit battlefi elds to pay tribute to lost relatives and commemorate the centenary of the war. Despite the very poignant focus of the main tourism product from 2014-18 - which has seen tour operators introduce itineraries visiting battlefi elds, cemeteries, museums and wartime monuments – this has not detracted from the general appeal of Flanders, which is seeing a year-on-year increase in UK arrivals. Research carried out by Visit Flanders
revealed that 96% of UK visitors said they ‘fully appreciated’ how the war was being remembered and operators say it has helped highlight the destination to a wider audience. Around the size of Yorkshire, and with numerous
direct fl ights and Eurostar services to Brussels, Flanders is both accessible and easy to get around. Due to demand, Travelsphere added extra dates to its battlefi elds tours.
Colin Wilson, Group Sales Director of All
Leisure Group, said: “Aside from the historical elements of the tour, we have also received many positive comments about the local area, which is a very picturesque part of the world.” Kirker has introduced a six-night Western Front tour from £1,498pp for travel in October
“The assistance of on-site battlefield guides provides a great opportunity for people to look into their family’s history in the conflict”
HUW WILLIAMS, MARKETING DIRECTOR, LEGER HOLIDAYS
2015. “For travellers looking to gain a better understanding of the battlefi eld action, an expert tour lecturer is a must and these small groups, where clients travel alongside like- minded companions, have proven very popular,” said Marketing Manager, Patrick Millar.
sellingtravel.co.uk Huw Williams, Marketing Director at
Leger Holidays, added: “Encouragingly, we’ve seen an increase in bookings from a younger generation, as well as families booking with our discount for children.” Beyond the battlefi elds Flanders has plenty to offer, including cosmopolitan Brussels, the beautiful medieval cities of Bruges (see page 77), Ghent and Antwerp and contrasting coastal Ostend. Flanders is a top destination for foodies, with a high number of Michelin-starred restaurants, the ubiquitous dish of moules frites – mussels and chips – and over 1,500 beers. For culture lovers there is a busy programme of music and arts festivals and Christmas markets are a popular short break. Summing up its selling points Harry Wales,
from Air Viceroy Travel West Wickham, said: “Flanders is a unique and diverse destination with something for everyone, from young to old. If you’re looking for a weekend break it’s steeped in history and culture, it’s a chocoholic’s paradise, with plenty of restaurants for that
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