Belgium opens doors wider for Kuwaiti visitors, investors, and direct travel links
The Times Kuwait Report
Belgian Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Christian Dooms, said the embassy is working hard to put Belgium more firmly on the travel map for Kuwaiti tourists by highlighting its rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, with the aim of encouraging more visitors to discover the country beyond its well-known landmarks.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a promotional tourism event organized by the embassy, ambassador Dooms noted that many people are only familiar with limited aspects of Belgium, despite its wide range of unique travel experiences.
He highlighted that Belgium offers a rich combination of historic cities, cultural heritage, shopping destinations, natural landscapes, international festivals, and world-renowned cuisine.
He added that Brussels is not only the administrative center of the European Union but also a vibrant and scenic city. He further noted that Belgium’s small size allows travelers to easily move between cities, enabling them to visit multiple destinations within a single trip.
Among the key attractions, he pointed to historic cities such as Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp, along with coastal resorts, the Ardennes natural region, luxury shopping destinations, and Antwerp’s global diamond trade reputation.
He also highlighted major international events such as the Tomorrowland music festival and the Spa-Francorchamps Formula 1 circuit.
Ambassador Dooms revealed that efforts are underway to establish direct flights between Kuwait and Belgium, describing the lack of direct air connectivity as one of the main challenges limiting the growth of Kuwaiti tourism to Belgium and complicating passenger flow tracking.
He said the next step involves hosting representatives of Belgian travel agencies in Kuwait to promote tourism destinations and strengthen travel ties between the two countries.
On economic relations, the ambassador stressed that bilateral investment ties are strong, noting significant Kuwaiti investments in Belgium’s petrochemical sector. He expressed hope for expanding cooperation in both directions.
He also pointed to the Port of Antwerp’s participation in a public tender in Kuwait, expressing optimism that it could lead to positive outcomes in the coming months.
The Belgian envoy highlighted opportunities for enhanced cooperation in the defence industry, and shed light on the ongoing communication channels between both sides and recent visits by the Belgian military attaché to Kuwait, with further discussions planned for later this year.
In healthcare, he said Belgium has advanced expertise in cancer treatment, fertility clinics, and burn care centers. He expressed hope for expanded cooperation with Kuwait’s Ministry of Health to benefit from Belgian medical capabilities and strengthen bilateral health partnerships.
