Sun and summer temperatures lure more than 300,000 tourists to the coast (Ostend)

On the day of work, many people decided to enjoy the beautiful weather on the coast. A lot of beachgoers sought cooling in the sea. Those who prefer to keep it dry enjoyed the sun on one of the many beach bars, a sunbed or a towel.

According to provincial company Westtoer, it is estimated to be 180,000 day tourists based on their pressure meter. There are also as many residence tourists as during the Easter weekend. The coastal hotels therefore again draw up an average occupation of 85 percent. This will make the busiest day of 2025 for the tourism sector on the coast from 1 May. During the Easter holidays, there was about 125,000 day tourists on top days 12 and 19 April.

That caused significant traffic jams from the interior on the highways towards the coast. Also in the center of Ostend it was very busy by the many day tourists. Shortly before 4 pm it was therefore decided to close the center of the coastal city for all incoming traffic. That meant that the traffic was diverted to the Vuurskruitenplein, near the Mercator.

Read too. Center of Ostend is no longer closed to incoming traffic, the largest crowded peak seems to be over

When the biggest peak seemed over, that measure was repeated. « The situation has improved, but of course we will remain ready on the site, » said police spokesman Simon Fiers.

Moments later, that measure was already withdrawn when the biggest peak seemed over. « The situation has improved, but of course we will remain ready on the site, » said police spokesman Simon Fiers.

Just before noon, a well -filled train with travelers who moved from Brussels towards the coast was stopped at Affligem. There was also smoke development on the train. The travelers were evacuated. Three travelers have become unwell and were taken to the hospital.