The global fandom of BTS has transformed Brussels into a K-pop capital as up to 120,000 fans descend on the capital for two sell-out concerts at the King Baudouin Stadium on 1 and 2 July. With Brussels one of the few European dates on the group’s Arirang world tour, a wave of fans from across the continent have created one of the biggest musical events ever hosted by the city. BTS Army, as the official fanbase for the seven-member boy band is known, snapped up
tickets for the two concerts in less than 30 minutes after they went on sale, at prices ranging from €80 to €500. Now they have sent the price of accommodation soaring in and around the capital, and given a boost to local tourism, reports RTBF. “Tourism is increasingly linked to events, and especially to concerts, because we see that more and more people are willing to travel to see a concert and make it a city break,” said Visit.Brussels spokesperson Jeroen Roppe. As for the
cost and availability of accommodation, the last remaining rooms in the capital sometimes reach several hundred euros per night. Although this is a common phenomenon for cities on the much-hyped world tour, which follows a four-year hiatus by the band, Brussels is among the destinations most impacted by the influx of fans. A study by hotel data company Lighthouse showed a 97% increase compared to the same period last year. This was one of the highest surges recorded among the 29 cities studied. It also
highlighted that 91% of hotel rooms were already booked for the first night of the concerts by the end of March, more than three months before the event. Lighthouse experts attribute this situation to Brussels’ limited hotel offer compared to major cities like Paris, a relatively short European tour, and a fan community willing to travel long distances to attend concerts. For Rodolphe Van Weyenbergh, secretary general of the Brussels Hotels Association (BHA), which represents approximately 18,000 rooms in the capital, the impact was undeniable.
“The presence of international stars at the stadium attracts people from abroad to Brussels, and this directly and positively impacts the hotel industry.” Even though prices are rising as availability decreases, he said some of the high prices seen on booking platforms needed to be put into perspective. “Prices can vary depending on the booking period. If there is high demand, prices can fluctuate. But ultimately, you have to look at the average price across the entire region.” But a quick check of an accommodation
platform for a one-night stay in Brussels on 2 July reveals that 88% of rooms are unavailable on this date. It is difficult to find a two-person room for less than €250 and the majority have starting prices from around €350. For tourists planning a trip to Brussels, checking out the city’s mega concert agenda before booking accommodation could be a money-saving exercise. Photo: BTS ©BIGHIT Music
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