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how to sell Flanders by Jeannine Williamson F
amous for its poignant wartime battlefi elds, Flanders is situated in northern Belgium
and has enduring appeal. The cities are open-air museums with grand squares and magnifi cent cathedrals, and after sightseeing who could resist stopping off for some chocolate or a glass or two of Belgium’s famous beers?
Why sell it
Accessible by air and rail, Flanders is a short journey from the UK – just over two hours on Eurostar from London to Brussels. Around the size of Yorkshire, and with all the main cities close to each other, it’s also easy for clients to get around when they arrive. Operators have introduced new itineraries linked to the World War One centenary and Visit Flanders supports agents with training, fams and incentives.
Who to sell to
Culture-rich cities such as Antwerp, home of the great painter Rubens, Bruges, Leuven, Ghent and Mechelen, will particularly appeal to art and history buffs. Suggest coach and land-based tours for mature clients who might not want to
fl y. Brussels is a fantastic short break destination with museums and attractions to suit all age groups (including families), plus a lively music, club and bar scene. For younger clients Flanders also hosts more than 280 music festivals.
What to sell
For four long years Flanders was the scene of the First World War, and themed itineraries based around battlefi eld tours, cemeteries, museums and monuments remain a strong selling point. With a culinary reputation for everything from beer (more than 450 varieties) to chocolate, moules frites (mussels and chips) and Michelin-star restaurants, Flanders is a great place for foodies, and when it’s time for a little exercise the beautiful countryside lends itself to cycling, walking and other active itineraries.
When to sell
Flanders essentials Fine chocolate is one of Flanders' delicacies
TIME ZONE: GMT + 1 VISAS: Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the departure date from Belgium. CAPITAL: Brussels LANGUAGE: Flemish (Belgian Dutch) with English widely spoken CURRENCY: Euro (£1 = €1.40)
A year-round destination, Flanders has a mild climate reaching up to 28C in summer.
Few places offer easier cycling than Flanders
“The Last Post, sounded daily at 20.00 at Menin Gate, Ypres, is a fitting end to a day in Flanders Fields”
CHRIS HAGAN, HEAD OF OVERSEAS, SUPERBREAK
Agents can book packages to coincide with a busy events calendar that includes autumn beer festivals and traditional Christmas markets. The largest is in Brussels, while Ghent, Bruges and Antwerp also host colourful festive markets. Wartime commemorations, supported by operators' additional products, continue through to 2018.
What’s new
SEE: visitfl
anders.com BOOK IT: Shearings has a four- night World War I Battlefi elds tour based in Ypres and taking in key battlefi elds and sights, from £484pp departing October 11, based on two sharing, B&B accommodation, three dinners, excursions and coach
travel.
shearings.com; agents.
legerbookings.co.uk; kirkerholidays. com;
ramblersholidays.co.uk;
travelsphere.co.uk GETTING THERE:
eurostar.com;
aerlingus.com;
batraveltrade.com;
bmiregional.com;
easyjet.com;
brusselsairlines.com;
ryanair.com
On July 6 the Tour de France visits Antwerp for the fi rst time. The new Bruges Lace Museum recently opened in an historic lace school and traces the city’s links with the craft, dating back to the 16th century. Belgian Chocolate Village, one of the largest attractions devoted to the mouth-watering confection, is now open in Brussels. Worldwide artists are taking part in the Triennial Bruges which sees indoor and outdoor art exhibitions and installations on show until October 18. Fam trips and invitations to events are on offer for agents who sign up and complete Visit Flanders’ e-learning course Flanders Master (fl
andersmaster.com).
sellingtravel.co.uk
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