The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) announced the Belgian Tourist Office has joined as a destination member.

The Belgian capital of Brussels is centrally located, making it the perfect home-base for domestic and Europe-wide travel. Brussels is 85 minutes from Paris, less than 2 hours from London, and 2.5 hours from Amsterdam. For domestic travel, the cities of Liege, Namur, Tournai, and Bruges are all about one hour from Brussels by train. Belgium has something for every budget. Many hotels offer packages with tickets to popular museums and local events. Even fine dining does not have to cost an arm, or a leg.

Annette Choynacki, Director USA&Canada of the Belgian Tourist Office, said: “Belgium is a destination that prides itself on its cultural richness, quaint towns, castles surrounded by lush green landscapes, and high-quality gastronomy created using locally-sourced ingredients. This new relationship is a harmonious balance of Belgium’s strongest qualities and ICTP’s mission of quality service and green growth.”

There are more castles per square mile in Belgium than anywhere else in the world. Beautiful castles to experience, formal gardens to get lost in, peaceful abbeys, and historic battlefields await visitors. Belgium offers visitors a rich cultural experience with a myriad of museums covering topics from art nouveau to history and comic strips to science - there is one catered to every imaginable taste.

Gastronomy in Belgium is an art. From street foods like frites or waffles with the toppings of your choice, to traditional dishes like croquettes or mussels, the choices are endless. Brussels is bursting with cafés to go enjoy a world-renowned Belgian beer, and the Grand Sablon Square is surrounded with shops from Belgium’s artisan chocolatiers. Wallonia, French-speaking Belgium, is a delight of local restaurants, affordable and charming inns, castles, and small breweries throughout the rolling countryside.

ICTP Chairman Juergen T. Steinmetz said: “Belgium is one of Europe’s must-see destinations, offering visitors a complete cultural experience with something to stimulate all of the senses. From history to festivals, there is something for everyone. The Belgian Tourist Office fits right in with ICTP’s philosophies and will be a valuable member of the alliance.”