Flemish Brabant invites tourists to explore its green highlights
The tourist season in Flemish Brabant is kicking off with ParkenParade, a series of walks through the province’s castle grounds, gardens and parks.
What began as an experiment, as an alternative to travelling during the pandemic, has since grown into a permanent fixture on the tourism calendar. The fourth edition was presented at Groenenberg castle in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw on Thursday.
“In spring, we like to put the spotlight on the country’s most colourful region,” said Gunther Coppens, provincial deputy responsible for tourism. “Garden tourism is on the rise and we want to put the region on the map in 2024 as the must-visit destination as far as parks and gardens are concerned.”
Developing tourism in a creative and sustainable way is the future
Highlights include the castle of Groot-Bijgaarden, the museum garden of Gaasbeek, the Botanical Garden of Meise, the Coloma rose garden and the Groenenberg castle domain. A variety of activities will be organised on castle estates, including picnics, walks and group yoga.
Provincial tourist board Toerisme Vlaams-Brabant is working with local organisations and businesses to attract visitors to the area. “We believe that local and tourism interests can go together perfectly,” said Coppens. “Developing tourism in a creative and sustainable way is the future.”