Travel to Belgium

Belgium has a rich history from its humble beginning to a prosperous nation in the heart of Europe. Belgium is a founding member of the European Union and hosts its headquarters, as well as those of other major international organizations, including NATO. Belgium has a population of about 10 million. Belgium is home to two main linguistic groups, the Flemish and the French-speakers, mostly Walloons, plus a small group of German-speakers.

Belgium's two largest regions are the Dutch speaking region of Flanders in the north, with 59% of the population, and the French speaking southern region of Wallonia, inhabited by 31%. The Brussels Region, officially bilingual, is a mostly French speaking enclave within the Flemish Region and has 10% of the population. A small German speaking Community exists in eastern Wallonia. Belgium's linguistic diversity and related political and cultural conflicts are reflected in the political history and a complex system of government.

The name 'Belgium' is derived from Gallia Belgica, a Roman province in the northernmost part of Gaul that was inhabited by the Belgae, a mix of Celtic and Germanic peoples. Historically, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg were known as the Low Countries, which used to cover a somewhat larger area than the current Benelux group of states. From the end of the Middle Ages until the 17th century, it was a prosperous center of commerce and culture. From the 16th century until the Belgian revolution in 1830, many battles between European powers were fought in the area of Belgium, causing it to be dubbed the battleground of Europe. Upon its independence, Belgium eagerly participated in the Industrial Revolution and, at the end of the nineteenth century, possessed several colonies in Africa. The second half of the 20th century was marked by the rise of communal conflicts between the Flemishand the Francophones ffueledby cultural differences on the one hand and an economic evolution of Flanders and Wallonia on the other hand. These still active conflicts have caused far-reaching reforms of the formerly unitary Belgian state into a federal state.

The 1830 Belgian Revolution led to the establishment of an independent, Catholic and neutral Belgium under a provisional government and a national congress. Since the installation of Leopold I as king in 1831, Belgium has been a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. Although the franchise was initially restricted, universal suffrage for men was introduced in 1893 and for women in 1949. The main political parties of the 19th century were the Catholic Party and the Liberal Party, with the Belgian Labour Party emerging towards the end of the century. French was originally the single official language adopted by the nobility and the bourgeoisie. It progressively lost its overall importance as Dutch became recognized as well. This recognition became official in 1898 and in 1967 a Dutch version of the Constitution was legally accepted.

After World War II, Belgium joined NATO as a founding member and formed the Benelux group of nations with the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Belgium became one of the six founding members of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951 and of the European Atomic Energy Community and European Economic Community, established in 1957. The latter is now the European Union, for which Belgium hosts major administrations and institutions, including the European Commission, the Council of the European Union and the extraordinary and committee sessions of the European Parliament.

Belgium is a fantastic country to visit and see the immense culture displayed in the wonderful cities and towns. Ask anyone who has been to Belgium and you will find that they love this little country with a big history.

The Benelux countries play a heavy role in European business, industry and commerce, with thousands of high-profile meetings and conferences going on throughout the year. Political issues such as eco-technology are also high on the agenda. Naturally, these meetings attract delegates from across the globe. Belgium and the Netherlands ooze with history and culture, and they are popular tourist, as well as business, destinations. Quite often the fields cross over. CEOs take informal trips to look for possible new company sites; delegates turn tiring conferences into relaxing stopovers. Thus meeting rooms have to cater for both recreational and business users. We at Holiday Inn Meetings BE do this admirably, never forgetting that along with an efficient conferencing service, our clients want the relaxation and comforts of a good hotel.

Every country has its own way of doing things, and both Belgium and the Netherlands run on restrained efficiency. This extends to dress codes, presentations and, of course, business meetings. We at Holiday Inn have 29 Benelux meetings hotels, and we respond to our clients' needs and wishes with the same efficiency with which they conduct their own affairs. At the same time, we never forget the needs of foreign visitors – with tourists arriving from countries across the globe, every week of the year, this isn't a problem.

So, what does a client in the Netherlands or Belgium expect from venues like us at Holiday Inn Meetings? In the Netherlands in particular, meetings can be lengthy, drawn-out affairs. The meeting room is a forum for debate, and everyone is expected to contribute and be listened to. Although there will be a chairperson, the aim is a common unity and an agreed approach to solving a problem. Once this point is reached, things move very fast indeed. As you can imagine, constant replenishment of refreshments and stationery items is a necessity, as is overnight accommodation and a swift checkout system. An allocated PR who knows the hotel and area like the back of their hand is a definite bonus.

We at Holiday Inns BE provide all this and more, with our dedicated Meetings Host and repeat booking services ensuring that even the most complex meetings run smoothly and efficiently. One thing that works in our favour is the civilised way in which Dutch meetings are conducted, with established protocols of behaviour and abhorrence of underhand tactics like pre-meeting lobbying and hidden agendas.

In Belgium, each area has its own unique culture. Some areas are Dutch influenced, some German influenced and so on. However, when it comes to meetings, some factors are common to all. The Belgians have strong rules on etiquette, for example, and while meetings can be open and friendly, things like putting your elbows on the table, removing your jacket and unpunctuality are considered bad manners. We at Holiday Inn Meetings BE have a range of business hotels across Belgium and the Netherlands, from large cities like Brussels and Amsterdam, to charmingly historic towns like Moerdijk. All these areas attract tourism as well as international business traffic, making Benelux meetings very much cosmopolitan affairs.

The heartbeat of Europe, the country Belgium attracts numerous travelers every year .Country where three official languages are spoken ,has a glorious past, fine art, foodstuff and structural designs at every nook and corner, when it is compared to the countries in its vicinity.

Snuggled between the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and France, Belgium covers approximately 30,527 square kilometres and is a dwelling to almost 10 lakh people. Extended from the charming and pleasing Ardennes area in the south to the desolate North Sea shoreline in the North, it is crisscrossed lengthily by a set of canals.

Belgium became an integral part of the Frankish empire in the year 1100 and had the benefit of a Golden Age at some stage in the 14th century under the governance of the French Duke of Burgundy. This was a golden period and a time of immense riches and creativity when the town of Antwerp became the supreme port in Europe. The country was attacked two times by Germany, firstly in in 1914 and then another time in 1940. Belgium's populace is separated between Flemish speakers that comprises almost 60% and French speakers who are almost 40%.

The  Belgians are accredited with inventing oil painting and the master pieces of such artists as Van Eyck, Brueghel and Rubens are well known all over the world. The nation is in addition celebrated for such miscellaneous activities as making best chocolate and lace-making, beer and comic strips. Herge, the originator of the distinguished comic strip Tintin, was Belgian. The capital city of the country, Brussels, is the capital of the European Union too. It has Europe's most gorgeous and fine-looking central square, the Grand Place. The most excellent restaurants in the country can be found on the Rue des Bouchers, which is just a short distance from the Grand Place. At this particular place you can taste lobster, crab and mussels washed down with outstanding Belgian beer.

The town of Bruges is Europe's most conserved middle aged city. It has two medieval centers and some of the most beautiful and commendable art collections in the  country. Antwerp is a must visit place to gulp in its air of discolored magnificence and its vivacious cafés and bars. Take pleasure in a walk in the gorgeous Ardennes area of deep valleys and high forests. Let the strength of this most European of countries pierce your soul and etch some lifetime memories.

Located at the crossroads of the old continent, often referred to as "the essence of Europe", Belgium is a small yet densely populated country in Northern Europe that borders the North Sea, Germany, Luxembourg , France and the Netherlands. Famous for its chocolate and beer, Belgium attracts millions of tourists every year mainly due to an interesting combination of nature and history. Perhaps one of the best examples is the Ardennes region located in southern Belgium, in the south-eastern part of Wallonia region. The Ardennes is a vastly forested plateau host to abundant wildlife and beautiful landscapes; the Ardennes form the so-called "green lung" of Belgium – a perfect place to visit for those who love the flora and fauna as well as for those interested in folklore and old traditions.

Due to its strategic location, the region has been at the centre of numerous historical events: starting with the Roman legions, the invasion of the Germanic tribes, the region was occupied in turns by the Spanish, Austrians and the French. One of the most famous historical events linked to the region is the Battle of the Bulge that took place in the Ardennes during the Second World War. At the end of 1944, the Allied Armies of USA, Britain and Canada were on the brink of attacking Germany. Hitler thought that the alliance in the western front could be weakened by splitting the British and American line in half. Therefore he ordered a massive counter-offensive whose goal was to take back the French territory, to divide, encircle and destroy the enemy armies.

The official historical name of the battle is the Ardennes Offensive; the Germans called it the Operation "Watch on the Rhine" after their hymn "Die Wacht am Rhein" while the French named it "la Bataille des Ardennes". Considered to be a part of the Ardennes-Alsace campaign, the battle that took place between 16 December 1944 and 25 January 1945 is known to the general public as the Battle of the Bulge due to the fact that the Germans created a bulge in the Allied front line. The offensive was supported by three German armies and was fought against what were mainly American forces. Hitler wanted to capture the major port of Antwerp thus eliminating an important source of supplies for the Allies, and after that to surround and destroy the enemy armies. The counter-offensive was planned as a secret operation and, although the US intelligence predicted a massive German attack, the Allies were caught by surprise.

The strategy of the Germans consisted of a massive armored attack. The winter in Ardennes with extremely low temperatures, low clouds and heavy fog favored the Germans because it minimized the advantage of the Allies. At the beginning the attackers had a great success and managed to punch a bulge in the enemy front line. However, this lasted only a few days.

Because of the fierce resistance they faced and the reinforcements received by the Allies, the Germans were not able to stick to the timetable as planned. The improving weather conditions allowed the Allies to use their air force by launching devastating attacks and by bombing the enemy supply lines. Because of this, the Germans soon found themselves unable to supply their armored force with fuel which was a turning point in the battle. When the shortage of fuel became critical, the Germans were forced in numerous occasions to abandon their equipment in order to avoid being surrounded or captured. Because of massive losses of forces and equipment, on the 7th of January 1945 Hitler decided to stop any offensive operations in the Ardennes and started the withdrawal of his forces.

The Battle of the Bulge remains an important battle in the history of the Second World War, especially for the Americans who paid the highest price in terms of forces involved and registered casualties. The Ardennes region still reflects the echoes of this event represented in numerous battlefield museums, memorials and historical monuments. Therefore the Belgium Ardennes remains one of the most visited places in Belgium, a mixture of nature, tourism and history visited by historians, veterans of the Second World War as well as by common travelers eager to discover one of the most beautiful regions in Europe.

Belgium is a low-lying country on the North Sea coast in the Benelux. With the majority of West European capitals within 1,000 km of the Belgian capital of Brussels, and as a member of the long-standing international Benelux community, Belgium sits at the crossroads of Western Europe. Its immediate neighbors are France to the southwest, Luxembourg to the southeast, Germany to the east and the Netherlands to the north.

Belgium is a densely populated country trying to balance the conflicting demands of urbanization, transportation, industry, commercial and intensive agriculture. It imports large quantities of raw materials and exports a large volume of manufactured goods, mostly to the EU.

Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830. It was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II and has many war graves near the battle zones, most of them are around Ieper (in English archaically rendered as Ypres, with Yperite another name for mustard gas due to intensive use there in WWI). It has prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.

The Belgian attitude towards life is one of humility, and being proud of what's given to you. A real Belgian patriot is very hard to find. The different duchies and counties making up the "Southern Low Countries" were first united in the 15th century, only to be separated in the 16th century from the "Northern Low Countries" (today Netherlands) after decades of war. Afterwards the territory we today call "Belgium" was part of the Spanish (1501-1713) Austrian (1713-1790) and French (1790-1815) Empires. It was briefly re-united with the Netherlands in 1815 but broke away again in 1830 to become the Kingdom of Belgium. Every one of these rulers have left their mark in palaces, castles, forts and cities which form the rich historic tapestry that is Belgium today.

With bordering countries like the Netherlands, Germany, France and Luxembourg, it's not surprising that Belgium is a country with a rich and inspiring history as well as being a melting pot of languages, traditions and culture. Belgium is perhaps best know for three iconic things – cuisine, Nato and fine art. These attractions make Belgium an interesting place to visit at any time of year with something for all the family to enjoy.

Foodies the world over hold Belgium in his regard. Home to many a Michelin Star restaurants, Belgium is also the birthplace of french fries, the waffle and, of course, has strong links with chocolate. Zeebrugge – one of the countries Gothic cities – even boasts a chocolate museum where visitors can try their hand at making some of regions famous pralines and truffles.

Regarded for its cuisine, Belgium also plays an important role in the political, financial and economic well-being of Europe and the wider world with the European Union and NATO both based in Brussels. An early participant in Europe's industrial revolution means Belgium has a strong business basis and also plays host to financial giants such as Fortis insurance amongst others.

If chocolate or politics isn't your thing, Belgium also boasts the lure of fine art for those with a creative eye or a penchant for galleries and museums. The Flemish Renaissance and Baroque painting means Belgium is not only a milestone in the evolution of modern painting but also home to some wonderful works by painters such as Hans Eworth and Bernard van Orley. Take a wander around Belgium's many cities and you may also be interested by the flourishes of Art Nouveau with Belgian architects instigators of the movement.

Are you a fan of cuisine, culture, art or politics? Belgium offers these interests every day of the year so don't think twice and book your trip today!

Belgium is a rich mixture of bubbling beer, chocolates, oil paints and bureaucratic that shed a liquor fragrance of bourgeoisie. But, if you mix the stew a bit you will find a country that is artificial product, with two-thirds of her residents with German-Flemish origins and the rest are from Kilt-Latin and Wallonia origins.

Belgium is not one of the prominent countries in Europe, but only because her residents do not tend to brag with their achievements. In fact there is more history, art, architecture, high quality of dishes and architecture for square meter than many of the larger and more vocally neighboring countries.

When looking for accommodation in Belgium you should choose one of the various Belgium hotels. The location of the country is very attractive for the visitors touring in this area. Belgium is "squeezed" between Netherlands, Germany, Luxemburg and France. It is one of the smallest countries in Europe. Her north part is plain and the south part is controlled by the picturesque Ardanian Mountains. The 65 kilometers of the coast line on the north shore is full with leisure sights except for a few sections of drift-wind dunes. At the plain part of Belgium are spread out a net of canals. The weather is relatively comfortable and the extremely hot months (July-August) are also the rainiest.

Transportation in Belgium: In Belgium it is easy and cheap to get from place to place, it may compensate you on the high prices for the hospitality options and difficulty in finding a vacancy. Although there is abundance of busses and it is easy to rent a car, the primary means of transport the efficient train network. The intercity trains are the fastest and there are also the interregional and the local trains. In the far-flung areas the busses are filling the absent. In the cities there are effective systems of public transportation like the tramcar and a small Metro network in Brussels and Antwerp. Taxis are available in any of the train stations. Bicycle riding is very popular on the north region and it is possible to rent them at the train stations. Many roads have a separate path for bicycles. Another option is to rent a boat-house and cruse with it along the many rivers.

There are many attractive destinations in the country where you could tour the cities and than rest at one of the Belgium hotels and continue the day after:

Antwerp: Antwerp (In Flemish- Antwerpen, in French- Anvers), that her name is capable of squeezing heavy groans from every beginner artists that wants to become Robens, is a compact city with a rich history. This is perhaps the less appreciated city in Belgium by the tourists and with no reason. Antwerp lies between the river schelde and the Ring Road, which is build on a moat from the 16th century that was created in order to attempt on preventing the Spanish to enter the cities.

Bruges: Bruges (in Flemish – Brugge), that was established in the 13th century, is the most touristic city in Europe that was best preserved since the middle ages. The city is blessed with two main plazas from the middle ages, the "Markt" and the "Burg" and the most fascinating art exhibitions in Belgium. To look at the spectacular view from the top of the city, you should clime the 366 stairs of the center fort, the Belfort.

Bruges can be a great city to end the day and enjoy the night life of the city and recharge your energy in one of the Bruges Hotels in the city.

Charleroi: This is the largest city and municipality of Wallonia that is located in the province of Hainaut. Charleroi is in the heart of a cast coal basin, which is called "Pays Noir". The city is also known for its publishing industry. The most famous one is Dupuis which is one of the main publishers of "Franco-Belgian Comics".

The must sights in Charleroi are: The Belfry, the "Maison Doree and the museums of fine arts, glass and photography.

Namur-Wepion: Namur is the capital city of Wallonia, in the southern part of Belgium. It is standing in a confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers. Eight kilometers south from Namur stands the city of Wepion. The city is known for her micro-climate and the sun-exposed plantations that are perfect for growing strawberry. Weipon is famous for her strawberry beer, the "La Wepionnaise"

The city relatively close to the Brussels, the capital city, where you reach there in order to stay at one of the Namur Hotels as well as starting the next day tour in the city or end your tour near by the country main international airport near Brussles.

Wavre: This is the capital city of the Walloon Brabant province in Belgium. Wavre is also called "the City of the Maca" because of the little boy statue that tries to climb the wall of the city hall. The tradition says that if you hold the Maca buttocks will bring you a year of luck. Among the sights Wavre is offering you should be visiting the Gothic style church, the city hall and the Walibi amusement park.

As small as Belgium is as a country and big and large are the destinations and attractions this country has to offer. That is what makes Belgium a must country to visit when coming to Europe. Choose among the many attractions you want to see or do and then spend the night in any of Belgium Hotels, each one designed differently in order to reach the needs of all kinds of travelers.