Brussels : 2026 Highlights, New Hotels, More Flights

Brussels is a city and region where history meets contemporary flair, culture blends with gastronomy, and every visit offers a fresh discovery. For Australian travel trade partners, 2026 is a year full of unmissable events, new openings, and tools to make selling Brussels simpler and more effective.
December 12, 2025

Trade Tools: Everything You Need in One Place

Visit Brussels provides a comprehensive suite of trade-focused tools, all easily accessible through our :

These resources help you save time, present Brussels professionally, and stay ahead when promoting Brussels and Belgium.

Manneken-Pis, © visit.brussels – Eric Danhier – 2017

Brussels’ 2026 Highlights
Building on our previous TravelTalk feature “Brussels – Small City, Big Heart of Europe”, 2026 promises a host of special experiences:

  • 30 Years of Pride Brussels – May
    Celebrate three decades of Pride in the city, with Belgium being one of the most inclusive destinations in Europe since legalizing same-sex marriage in 2003.
  • 20 Years of Dinner in the Sky – June
    A sky-high gastronomic experience marking its 20th anniversary, perfect for luxury and niche itineraries.
  • Flower Carpet – August
    The iconic Grand-Place transforms into a breathtaking floral tapestry, blending tradition and creativity.
  • KANAL Centre Pompidou – November
    A major addition to Brussels’ contemporary art scene, showcasing Belgian and international artists in a repurposed former Citroën garage. Opening November 2026 !
  • 800 Years of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula – Year-long
    Celebrate the city’s patron saints with the Luminiscence light show and related events throughout the year.

 

These events give travel agents a rich palette to design itineraries that mix culture, gastronomy, and unique experiences.

Belgian Pride Festival 2024. visit.brussels – Mathieu Golinvaux

New Hotels: Fresh 4 & 5* Stays for Every Traveller
Brussels’ hospitality landscape continues to evolve with the opening of several high-profile hotels in 2026, offering new options for luxury, boutique, and design-focused travelers:

  • Corinthia Grand Hotel Astoria Brussels (Corinthia) – A restored Belle Époque gem combining historic charm with modern luxury.
  • Cardo Brussels Autograph Collection (Marriott) – Stylish, contemporary accommodations in the heart of the city.
  • The Standard Brussels (Standard) – A modern, vibrant hotel perfect for trend-conscious travelers.
  • The Hoxton Brussels Ennismore (Accor) – A chic, design-led property with a lively social atmosphere.
  • Fleur de Ville Brussels – Boutique elegance and personalized service in the city centre.
  • Faubourg 21 – Contemporary, design-driven hotel offering a unique boutique experience.

These new openings enhance Brussels’ appeal, enabling trade partners to offer clients a wide range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.

Corinthia, Brussels. Grand Deluxe Suite

Further Reading About Brussels :

A Journey to Europe :

Don’t miss David Whitehill’s “Journey to Europe” on Channel 9! Explore Brussels’ hidden gems, from the Belgian Beer World Experience to the exquisite Laurent Gerbaud chocolate atelier. A delicious, immersive journey that will make you want to pack your bags!

Curious to know more about Brussels?

For trade support, training, or partnerships to help sell Brussels and Belgium, get in touch with your local contact:

Tom Albrand – International Business Developer – Visit Brussels

📧 E-mail: [email protected] // [email protected]

🌐 Website: https://linktr.ee/visitbrussels.traveltrade

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomalbrand/

Brussels Airport (BRU) is now more accessible than ever from Australia, with enhanced airline connectivity via Singapore Airlines (SQ), Cathay Pacific (CX), Thai Airways (TG), ANA Airlines (NH), Hainan Airlines (HU), Emirates (EK), Etihad (EY), Qatar Airways (QR), and Turkish Airlines (TK) and more. Check your GDS and booking systems.

Additionally, by Q4 of 2026 all visa-exempt travellers to Europe require a ETIAS travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries, including Belgium, simplifying entry while maintaining security.