Belgium Business Travel Guide: Top Tips for a Successful Trip

Planning a business trip to Belgium? We’ve got you covered. Belgium, with its strategic location in the heart of Europe, offers a dynamic and vibrant environment for business travellers. From bustling cities like Brussels and Antwerp to charming towns like Bruges, Belgium seamlessly blends historical charm with modern amenities.

As we navigate through this guide, we’ll uncover essential tips and insights to make your business trip smooth and productive. Whether you’re attending a conference, meeting clients, or exploring business opportunities, understanding Belgium’s business culture, transport options, and key destinations will ensure you make the most of your visit. Let’s dive in and discover what makes Belgium a top choice for business travel.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Business Hub: Belgium’s central location in Europe and its multilingual workforce make it a prime destination for international business, hosting key institutions like the EU and NATO.
• Top-notch Infrastructure: Efficient transport networks, including high-speed trains and Brussels Airport, facilitate smooth travel. Excellent business facilities like Brussels Expo enhance the experience for business travellers.
• Business Etiquette and Culture: Punctuality, formality, and professional attire are crucial in Belgian business culture. Understanding local customs can improve interactions and negotiations.
• Varied Accommodation Options: Belgium offers a range of business-friendly accommodations, from luxury hotels to serviced apartments, designed to meet diverse traveller needs.
• Efficient Transport Systems: Extensive public transport networks and reliable car hire options make navigating Belgium easy and convenient, essential for business trips.
• Blend of Business and Leisure: Belgium’s rich cultural and culinary offerings allow business travellers to combine work with leisure, enhancing the overall experience.

Why Choose Belgium for Business Travel

Belgium offers compelling reasons for business travel, given its strategic importance in Europe. Its central location makes it a hub for international business and trade. Brussels, the capital, hosts the headquarters of the European Union and NATO, attracting a plethora of business meetings and conferences.

Belgium boasts a multilingual workforce, fluent in Dutch, French, and German. This linguistic diversity facilitates smooth international communication. Companies find it easier to employ skilled professionals who can navigate multiple languages.

Infrastructure in Belgium is top-notch, with extensive transport networks. High-speed trains connect major cities to other European capitals. Brussels Airport, serving over 26 million passengers annually, ensures quick access to global destinations. Reliable public transport within cities aids efficient commuting.

Belgium is known for its advanced business facilities. Modern conference centres, such as Brussels Expo and Flanders Meeting & Convention Center, offer state-of-the-art amenities for international events. These venues enhance the experience for attendees and organisers alike.

Belgium’s robust economy, with a GDP of approximately $573 billion in 2022, underscores its business prowess. Key industries include pharmaceuticals, automotive, technology, and finance. The country offers a conducive environment for investment and business development.

The business culture in Belgium is rooted in professionalism and efficiency. Punctuality and adherence to agreements are highly valued. Networking and relationship-building are integral, often taking place over formal meals or at networking events.

Belgium combines historical splendour with modern conveniences, offering an attractive lifestyle for business travellers. The quality of life, coupled with rich cultural experiences, makes it an appealing destination for extended business stays.

Essential Travel Information

Navigating Belgium requires knowing a few key elements. For business travellers, understanding visa requirements, currency, and languages is crucial.

Visa Requirements

Citizens of EU countries don’t need visas to enter Belgium. Business travellers from the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Those from other countries should check the Belgian immigration website for specific details. Always carry proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.

Currency and Payments

Belgium uses the euro (€). Credit cards, especially Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted. For smaller businesses and taxis, cash is often preferred. ATMs are plentiful in urban areas for easy cash withdrawals.

Language and Communication

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. In Brussels, both Dutch and French are commonly spoken. English is widely understood in business settings. Learning basic greetings in Dutch or French can enhance communication.

Top Business Cities in Belgium

Belgium is home to several key cities prominent in the business landscape. These cities offer unique advantages for business travellers, from central locations to advanced facilities.

Brussels

Brussels serves as the administrative heart of Europe. Home to major EU institutions, NATO, and various multinational companies, it boasts a strategic position for international business. The city’s infrastructure supports large-scale conventions, with venues like Brussels Expo and Square Meeting Centre offering modern amenities. The city’s transport system, including Brussels Airport, provides connectivity, making it an accessible hub for global business interactions.

Antwerp

Antwerp stands as a major player in the global diamond trade and port activities. It’s Europe’s second-largest port, ensuring robust logistics operations. The city also shines in fashion, tech, and chemical industries. Business travellers can find top-tier meeting spaces at the Flanders Meeting & Convention Centre and easy connections via Antwerp International Airport and high-speed rail.

Ghent

Ghent, a rising star in innovation and technology, hosts numerous startups and research institutions. The city offers a vibrant ecosystem for business growth, with top facilities at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Ghent. The city’s location provides quick access to Brussels and Ostend via well-developed rail networks, enhancing its appeal for business ventures.

Accommodation Options

Belgium offers a varied range of accommodation options that cater to the needs of business travellers. From luxury hotels to innovative lodging solutions, we explore some of the best options available.

Business Hotels

Business hotels in Belgium cater to the specific requirements of corporate travellers. Many of these hotels are located in proximity to business districts and major transport hubs.

1. Brussels: Renowned for its business facilities, the city boasts high-end hotels like the Steigenberger Wiltcher’s and NH Collection Brussels Centre. These hotels offer modern meeting rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, and executive lounges.
2. Antwerp: Known for its diamond district, Antwerp features top-tier business hotels such as the Hilton Antwerp Old Town. This hotel offers conference facilities, business centres, and spacious rooms tailored to the needs of business professionals.
3. Ghent: With its focus on innovation, Ghent provides excellent business accommodation like the Ghent Marriott Hotel. Facilities include cutting-edge meeting spaces, on-site dining options, and easy access to public transport.

Alternative Lodging

Alternative lodging options in Belgium offer affordability and a unique experience for business travellers. These options often provide greater flexibility and a local touch.

1. Serviced Apartments: Ideal for longer stays, serviced apartments like B-Aparthotel in Brussels offer the comforts of home with the convenience of a hotel. Amenities include kitchenettes, living areas, and weekly housekeeping services.
2. Boutique Hotels: For a more personalised experience, boutique hotels such as Hotel Julien in Antwerp offer stylish accommodations with tailored services. These hotels often feature unique interiors, local cuisine, and bespoke business facilities.
3. Airbnb and Short-term Rentals: For a more localized experience, short-term rentals provide fully-furnished apartments and houses across major cities. Popular listings on Airbnb offer everything from city-centre apartments to entire homes with all necessary amenities.

Clearly, Belgium offers a wide array of accommodation options tailored to suit the diverse needs of business travellers, enhancing their overall travel experience.

Transport and Getting Around

Belgium’s efficient transport system makes it easy for business travellers to navigate the country. Here, we cover essential details on public transport and car hire options to help you get around.

Public Transport

Belgium boasts a well-developed public transport network. Trains, buses, trams, and metro services efficiently connect cities and regions. The national railway company, SNCB/NMBS, operates frequent trains linking major cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. High-speed Thalys and Eurostar services extend connectivity to neighbouring countries, crucial for international business travel.

Buses and trams managed by regional operators such as De Lijn (Flanders), TEC (Wallonia), and STIB/MIVB (Brussels) offer reliable intra-city transport. In Brussels, the metro system consists of four lines covering key business districts and tourist spots, making it convenient for quick commutes.

For seamless travel, we recommend using the MOBIB card. This rechargeable card serves as an all-in-one ticket for trains, buses, trams, and the metro. Purchase and top-up options are available at stations, automated machines, and online, enhancing flexibility for business trips.

Car Hire

Hiring a car provides flexibility, especially when visiting multiple locations or remote areas. Top car rental companies operate in Belgium, including Hertz, Europcar, and Avis. Booking in advance can secure better rates.

Driving in Belgium is straightforward, though it is important to observe local traffic laws. Speed limits are generally 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on regional roads, and 50 km/h in urban areas. Road signs are in Dutch, French, and German, reflecting the region’s linguistic diversity.

Car rental companies typically offer GPS navigation systems, helpful for first-time visitors. Parking in major cities like Brussels and Antwerp can be challenging, with metered street parking and underground car parks available. Use apps such as Parkmobile to find and pay for parking spaces conveniently. For fuel, service stations are widespread, with most accepting credit cards.

Business Etiquette and Culture

Understanding Belgium’s business etiquette and culture can make our interactions more effective and our negotiations smoother.

Meeting Practices

Punctuality is highly valued in Belgian business culture. Arriving on time for meetings demonstrates respect for others’ time and professionalism. When organising meetings, sending agendas in advance helps attendees prepare and facilitates productive discussions. During meetings, expect a formal atmosphere initially, with small talk becoming more frequent as relationships develop. We should use titles and surnames when addressing Belgian colleagues until invited to use first names.

Dress Code

Belgian business attire leans towards conservative and formal. Men typically wear dark suits, white shirts, and ties, while women opt for suits or professional dresses. Casual or overly trendy clothing is not appropriate in most business settings. It is customary to dress modestly and professionally, reflecting the importance Belgians place on appearance and first impressions.

Must-Visit Business Venues

Belgium offers an impressive array of business venues, perfect for hosting conferences, collaborating with colleagues, or holding meetings with clients. We’ve highlighted top options to ensure your business trip is productive and seamless.

Conference Centres

Belgium’s conference centres are among Europe’s best, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and convenient locations.

Brussels Expo: One of the largest venues in Belgium, Brussels Expo offers over 115,000 square metres of event space. Located near Heysel Park, it’s ideal for international conventions and exhibitions.

Flanders Expo: Situated in Ghent, Flanders Expo provides 54,000 square metres of flexible space. It hosts various events from trade shows to corporate gatherings and is conveniently accessible by public transport.

Square – Brussels Meeting Centre: Located in the heart of Brussels, Square boasts modern amenities and panoramic views of the city. It offers spaces for conferences, meetings, and exhibitions.

Antwerp Expo: Known for its versatile spaces, Antwerp Expo can accommodate events of all sizes. Located near the city centre, it is a popular choice for trade fairs and business events.

Coworking Spaces

Coworking spaces in Belgium cater to business travellers needing flexible work environments with networking opportunities.

Silversquare: Operating in multiple locations across Brussels, Silversquare offers dynamic office spaces, meeting rooms, and networking events tailored for professionals.

The Birdhouse: With locations in Ghent and Antwerp, The Birdhouse provides a collaborative environment designed for startups and entrepreneurs. It offers modern amenities and access to a vibrant community.

Co.Station: Found in Brussels, Ghent, and Charleroi, Co.Station is geared towards innovative companies. It offers coworking spaces, meeting rooms, and event areas, fostering innovation and collaboration.

Factory Forty: Situated in Brussels, Factory Forty blends coworking space with a community feel. The venue includes private offices, meeting rooms, and event spaces, making it ideal for both solo professionals and teams.

By selecting the right venue, you can enhance the productivity and success of your business activities in Belgium.

Combining Business with Leisure

Mixing business with leisure in Belgium offers a unique blend of opportunities. Let’s explore how you can enjoy dining and sightseeing while on your business trip.

Dining and Cuisine

Belgium has a rich culinary heritage, perfect for business travellers looking to unwind. Try Belgian waffles for breakfast or sample moules-frites for dinner. Chocolatiers like Neuhaus and Godiva offer exquisite treats to take home or enjoy between meetings. Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Hof van Cleve in Kruisem and The Jane in Antwerp, provide an excellent setting for business lunches or dinners, combining top-tier cuisine with an impressive atmosphere. Street food, such as Belgian fries from places like Fritland in Brussels, offers a quick and delicious option for busier schedules.

Tourist Attractions

Belgium’s historical and cultural sites offer excellent breaks from the business routine. Visit the Grand Place in Brussels, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or explore Antwerp’s Cathedral of Our Lady, featuring works by Rubens. Bruges, known for its medieval architecture, has picturesque canals and cobbled streets perfect for a leisurely stroll. Modern attractions like the Atomium in Brussels provide a unique insight into Belgium’s architectural ingenuity. Take a guided tour of Ghent’s Gravensteen Castle to dive into medieval history during your free time.

Embrace the balance of productivity and relaxation in Belgium’s vibrant cities.

Conclusion

Belgium stands out as a prime destination for business travellers, offering a seamless blend of historical allure and cutting-edge amenities. Its strategic location in Europe, coupled with top-notch infrastructure and a multilingual workforce, makes it an ideal hub for international business.

From the bustling streets of Brussels to the innovation-driven atmosphere in Ghent, each city provides unique opportunities and facilities tailored to business needs. The country’s efficient transport system and diverse accommodation options further enhance the convenience for business travellers.

Whether you’re attending a conference, meeting clients, or exploring investment opportunities, Belgium’s professional culture and rich heritage ensure a productive and enjoyable stay. Embrace the chance to combine business with leisure and discover all that this vibrant country has to offer.