Ensuring inclusive access for all
Recognising the importance of accessibility for all, Brussels collaborates with local organisations such as equal.brussels to promote inclusion and combat discrimination. The city aims to be accessible to people with disabilities as well as economically and socially disadvantaged individuals. To this end, Brussels has introduced a last-minute ticket portal, offering visitors half-price tickets for concerts, plays and cinema screenings, thereby democratising access to culture. At the same time, Brussels has actively invested in positioning itself as an LGBTQIA+-friendly destination, further enhancing its inclusive image and welcoming spirit toward the community. In terms of physical accessibility, easy access to public transport and a well-connected city are high priorities for Brussels. Pedestrian routes and green mobility initiatives make it a ‘15-minute city’. With 80% of the metro network, all buses and all new trams being wheelchair accessible and dedicated door-to-door transport for people with disabilities, Brussels ensures that its public transport system is accessible and inclusive for all.
Culture and heritage
Brussels combines its vibrant heritage with its constantly evolving creative scene, taking a strategic approach to establishing itself as a dynamic hub for ideas and encounters. The city is home to 11 sites that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, reflecting its rich cultural and architectural legacy. In addition to the city’s vast architectural heritage, Brussels also repurposes unfinished buildings for cultural and social projects, testing neighbourhood reactions and stimulating creativity. Brussels celebrates its culture through events such as the Iris Festival, Bright Festival and Brussels Pride. Designed to be inclusive, accessible, and sustainable, these events reflect a visitor economy that unites and inspires. The city is also focusing on its nightlife, redefining it as a space for creativity and inclusion. The Brussels Night Council brings citizens and experts together to create a vision for nightlife in the Belgian capital.
Digital solutions for sustainable tourism
Brussels uses digital technology to elevate its tourism offerings and improve the visitor experience. The visit.brussels website offers filters to easily identify accessible, eco-labelled or queer destination-labelled places. It also provides the Brussels Smart City Card, which unites transport, cultural sites and local services in one personalized platform. Additionally, AI powered museum experiences on the website guide visitors with tailored content in 24 languages, including sign language.
The city integrates sustainability into its digital and tourism strategies, focusing on environmental, social and economic goals. By 2025, nearly half of its hotels are Green Key certified, with 15% of venues eco-labelled.
Collaborating for sustainable tourism
Brussels is shaping its tourism strategy with sustainability as a guiding principle.
By working closely with tourism, culture, and local life stakeholders throughout the years, the city creates a more balanced destination. This collaborative approach extends to efforts like reducing tourism seasonality with the help of year-round events and involving residents in co-creation initiatives such as the European Quarter brand, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared widely and sustainably.