Flanders to Enhance Beer Tourism with New Visitor Centers
By the end of the year, 12 breweries in Flanders will unveil new centers aimed at welcoming visitors and showcasing the brewing process and beer consumption. The breweries have received a total of 3 million euros from the EU recovery fund established to revitalize the European economy following the Covid-19 pandemic, reports 24brussels.
Flanders secured approximately 2 billion euros from the European Commission’s recovery fund, which is part of a larger effort worth hundreds of billions across Europe. Visit Flanders, the regional agency involved in tourism promotion, allocated 18.5 million euros in subsidies targeting four areas: beer, nature, cycling, and art, later expanding to include culinary experiences.
The initiative focused on beer aims to draw both professional and casual beer enthusiasts to the region. Out of approximately 50 participating breweries, 12 were selected to enhance their visitor facilities, highlighting the cultural significance of beer in Flanders.
Many of these breweries produce traditional geuze, particularly in artisanal settings around Brussels, while others are spread across Flanders. They will provide tasting opportunities, dining options, workshops, and tours of their production sites.
Given the urgent need for economic recovery, the allocated funds must be utilized promptly. Nonetheless, Visit Flanders plans to continue promoting Flemish beers even after this year. Currently, the region hosts over 10 beer festivals annually and will launch initiatives to market its breweries and beers internationally.
2026 marks a significant milestone, as it will be the 10th anniversary of Unesco’s designation of Belgian beer culture as Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognition underscores the quality and diversity of Belgian beers, the café culture, the influence of beer on gastronomy, and the longstanding craftsmanship alongside modern innovations.
As Flanders capitalizes on its brewing heritage, including the distinct geuze and other offerings, efforts to develop tourism and enhance local economies through beer culture will likely have lasting impacts in the years to come.
