Seaside bookings down by 15%

The Belgian coast’s tourism industry is getting increasingly concerned, just days before the start of the summer season, that the number of bookings for flats, studios and houses in July is down by as much as 15% on last year. For hotels, the situation is even worse: bookings have dropped by 25%, Het Nieuwsblad and De Standaard report today. "It looks bad and it’s too late to remedy the problem," said Kurt Coelus, president of the federation of seaside estate agents (CIB Kust). "The Belgian coast is not alone in suffering, though: the French Riviera is also feeling the consequences of the economic crisis as holidaymakers skimp on their budgets." The 15% drop in bookings for flats and houses is the second consecutive one, as 2012 figures had already seen a 10-15 decrease on 2011. “In the space of two years, so we have suffered a drop of 25 to 30%," says Coelus. Those interested in a holiday by the seaside may well find themselves a bargain, as owners of rental properties have started lowering their prices in order to attract potential tenants.