12,700 people called locals during #CallBrussels campaign

The #CallBrussels campaign launched last week to freshen up the image of the capital following the publicity surrounding terrorist connections at the end of last year, has completed its first phase, taking 12,688 phone calls in just five days. Samples of some of the residents picking up the phone are being compiled into a video for international release.

The campaign by tourism agency Visit Brussels involved three interactive signboards on Mont des Arts, Place Flagey and the Place Communale in Molenbeek (pictured). Each was equipped with a telephone that passers-by were instructed to pick up when it rang.

Callers took to the campaign’s website to call one of the phones, allowing anyone in the world to ask locals questions about Brussels. The connections were followed by a webcam.

Almost three in four calls came from another country, with 154 countries represented, Visit Brussels said. The calls came from Europe but from also as far as the US, Japan, Brazil and Australia. “The hashtag #CallBrussels went around the world and was seen by 9,370,000 people worldwide,” a spokesperson said.

The website now shows a clock counting down to 18 January, when the video will be released, made up of the best clips from the webcam footage.

Photo courtesy Visit Brussels