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Tomorrowland 2025: A Spike in Travel Interest to Brussels

By 11/08/2025October 2nd, 2025No Comments

This July, Brussels welcomed travellers from across the globe — many potentially drawn by Tomorrowland, one of Europe’s most iconic music festivals. Held over two weekends (18–20 and 25–27 July), the event coincided with a significant increase in international flight searches and bookings to the city — especially among younger demographics, with the average age of travellers during this period being 35. 

ForwardKeys data shows notable travel activity during the festival window, offering insights into how large-scale events might influence travel patterns. 

6 million Searches

Between 1 January and 27 July 2025, there were over 6 million flight searches to Brussels for trips planned during the festival period — a +45% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2024. 

While not all travel can be directly attributed to Tomorrowland, this uplift coinciding with the event window could point to the festival’s continued relevance as a seasonal driver of international demand 

 

Spain Stole the Spotlight 

Spain emerged as the leading origin market for travel to Brussels during the 12–27 July period, accounting for nearly one in five searches (19.1%). It also held a strong position in flight bookings — suggesting high conversion rates from intent to action. 

Other major source markets included Italy, the UK, the US, and France, with Morocco, Portugal, Greece, Türkiye, and Poland also among the top ten. 

Bookings Rose Sharply from Key Markets 

While Spain dominated in searches, Denmark stood out as the fastest growing source market for bookings, increasing by +38% year-on-year. Canada followed with +27%, then Portugal (+19%) and France (+12%). 

Italy and the UK booked strongly as well, contributing 7.7% and 5.7% of total bookings respectively, although their year-on-year growth was more modest (+2% and +3%). 

These gains reflect broader momentum in international travel to Brussels — with certain markets showing accelerated interest that may align with event-driven tourism. 

 Groups Travelled Bigger 

Group travel saw a notable uptick this year, with bookings for six or more passengers increasing by +9% year-on-year. 

Italy (+54%) and the Netherlands (+36%) led this trend, suggesting a rise in collective travel during the festival window — again, potentially influenced by Tomorrowland’s group-centric appeal. 

Tomorrowland’s Broader Travel Impact 

The sharp rise in travel intent and bookings around Tomorrowland may point to its growing role as a tourism anchor for Belgium. With over 6 million searches for Brussels during the festival period, the event offered a clear opportunity for airlines, hotels, and tourism operators to align with seasonal peaks in demand. 

As the appetite for experience-led travel continues to grow events like Tomorrowland highlight the need for real-time intelligence. Destinations that act on these insights are better positioned to attract and accommodate visitors, while capitalising on the momentum such global events create. 

”“The spike in travel searches and bookings to Brussels during the Tomorrowland period suggests a strong link between large-scale cultural events and international travel demand. When destinations and travel businesses can anticipate these patterns, they’re better positioned to optimise connectivity, tailor marketing, and capture growth opportunities around peak moments.”

Luis MillánHead of Market Intelligence & Consulting