Dates

    29 Jan 2027

    Venue

    Antwerp Expo

    Time

    10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

    20 Floor Picks

    Matched booths for Vakantiesalon Antwerpen

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    Event overview

    Overview

    Vakantie Expo is Antwerp's consumer travel fair, bringing holidaymakers, travellers and recreational visitors together with travel organisations, tourism services, destinations, hotels, campsites and providers of holiday and leisure activities.

    The 2027 edition runs from 29 to 31 January at Antwerp Expo, with doors open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.

    TL;DR

    1. 12027 edition runs 29–31 January at Antwerp Expo, Jan van Rijswijcklaan 191, 2020 Antwerp.
    2. 2The fair brings vacationers, travellers and recreational visitors together with travel organisations, tourism services, destinations, hotels, campsites and activity providers.
    3. 3Visiting hours are 10:00–18:00; tickets cost €10 and children under 16 enter free.
    4. 4Exhibitors can reach travel-intent consumers, raise brand visibility and generate leads in one weekend.
    5. 5Antwerp Expo is outside Antwerp's low-emission zone and is reachable by tram 2 or 6, bus 17 or 22, bike and car, with free and paid parking nearby.

    Why visit

    • Discover destinations, travel organisations, accommodation, campsites and tourism services in one place. • Compare holidays, cruises, safaris, active trips, city breaks and outdoor travel. • Speak directly with exhibitors and travel specialists before booking. • Visit on 29–31 January 2027, daily from 10:00 to 18:00, at Antwerp Expo. • Tickets cost €10; children under 16 enter free. • The venue is wheelchair-friendly and accessible by tram, bus, bike and car, with free and paid parking nearby.

    Why exhibit

    • Reach thousands of travel lovers in one weekend. • Meet visitors actively looking for inspiration for their next holiday or outing. • Raise the visibility of your brand, destination or organisation at one of Flanders' largest travel events. • Generate qualitative leads: build relationships, collect contact details and create commercial opportunities. • Combine your participation with extra marketing options for maximum visibility. • Access stand formulas, rates and marketing packages via the exhibitor brochure.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Vacationers and travellers looking for inspiration
    Recreational visitors planning a holiday or short break
    Consumers comparing destinations, accommodation and activities
    Active, outdoor, cruise and safari travel enthusiasts
    Families with children under 16, who enter free
    Visitors who prefer face-to-face advice before booking

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Travel organisations and tour operators
    Tourism services and destination marketing organisations
    Hotels, B&Bs, campsites and other accommodation providers
    Cruise specialists and safari or wildlife operators
    Providers of active, outdoor and leisure holidays
    Travel agencies and travel designers
    Brands seeking direct consumer contact and qualified leads

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Travel organisations and tour operators
    Tourism boards and destination services
    Hotels, B&Bs and holiday accommodation
    Campsites and camping holidays
    Cruises and cruise specialists
    Safaris and wildlife travel
    Active and adventure holidays
    City trips and cultural travel
    Outdoor and nature travel
    Travel agencies and tailor-made travel

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Halls & areas

    5
    Hall 1Hall 2Hall 3Hall 4Hall 5

    Antwerp Expo

    Entrances & gates

    Entrance 1

    Hall 1Hall 3

    Access to Halls 1 and 3; adapted parking is available at both venue entrances.

    Entrance 2

    Hall 1

    Access to Hall 1; adapted parking is available at both venue entrances.

    Facilities

    Parking

    Paid visitor parking next to the venue (camping Vogelzanglaan) costs €10 per day, payable at the entrance. Free street parking is also available along Vogelzanglaan (approx. 500 spaces), Jan Van Rijswijcklaan (approx. 200 spaces) and Desguinlei (approx. 400 spaces). Adapted parking spaces are available at both entrances.

    3,000 spaces · €10.00/day

    Accessibility

    The venue is fully wheelchair-accessible. Adapted parking spaces are available at both entrances, and the halls are step-free and easily accessible.

    Cloakroom

    Cloakroom facilities are available at both entrances. Backpacks, suitcases, umbrellas and trolleys must be left at the cloakroom; small handbags can be taken into the halls.

    Charging points

    Several electric vehicle charging points are available around the venue.

    Food options

    Charlie's Burgers & Salads, Brasserie Marie & Luigi, Le Pain Quotidien, Gourmet Invent

    On-site dining

    Parking: Free parking along Vogelzanglaan (approx. 500 spaces), Jan Van Rijswijcklaan (approx. 200 spaces), Desguinlei (approx. 400 spaces), Le Grellelaan, Beukenlaan and surrounding streets. Paid visitor parking next to Antwerp Expo at camping Vogelzanglaan, payable directly to the attendant. Adapted parking spaces are available at both entrances.

    Gate: Visitor access is via Entrances 1 and 2; adapted parking spaces are available at both entrances.

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    29–31 January 2027,10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    • Online ticket

      Online price

      €10.00
    • Ticket at the door

      Price at the box office

      €12.00
    Register

    Ticket info

    Ticket notes

    Tickets are strictly personal and may not be transferred without prior permission. No refunds or exchanges except in case of cancellation by the Belgian government. Identity checks of ticket holders are possible.

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Epic Events

    Organiser

    Vakantie Expo exhibitor sales team

    Exhibitor sales

    What's on

    Programme

    Co-located events

    Antwerp Travel Top

    Separate ticket

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Last edition

    2026

    Completed

    Visitors: 30,000

    This edition

    2027

    Visitors: 1,000

    Next edition

    2027

    Vakantie Expo Antwerpen returns 29–31 January 2027 at Antwerp Expo. The official exhibitor page promotes three days of direct B2C contact with travel consumers and points exhibitors to stand formulas, tariffs and marketing packages in the exhibitor brochure. No programme, floor-plan or visitor-target changes for 2027 have been published.

    No structural changes announced for 2027; official exhibitor communication focuses on stand formulas, tariffs and marketing packages. The organiser is separately launching Vakantie Expo On Tour – Coolcation in Gent on 14–15 November 2026, a niche event distinct from the Antwerp show.

    Growth over time

    Edition recap

    Vakantie Expo 2026 ran from 30 January to 1 February 2026 at Antwerp Expo and was described by co-organiser Pitch Perfect as the fifth edition. Pitch Perfect reported 10% more visitors than in 2025. A Sri Lankan government post-event report independently stated that the event welcomed over 30,000 visitors from the Benelux region; because no exact organiser post-show visitor total was located, that figure is best treated as an attributed lower bound rather than an audited organiser total.

    TravMagazine reported positive exhibitor feedback, including strong traffic, good client quality and genuine visitor interest. Antwerp Travel Top again served as the Friday-evening networking moment for exhibitors and travel professionals.

    New this edition

    • 1

      [2026 edition] Exclusive morning session with Henk-Jan Geel

      First Vakantie Expo Antwerpen appearance by adventurer and TV personality Henk-Jan Geel, with a live presentation, behind-the-scenes stories, Q&A, coffee and breakfast, early access to the fair floor and full-day admission. Sessions were scheduled for 31 January and 1 February 2026 from 09:00 to 10:00.

      Source

    Photos

    [2026 edition] Official Vakantie Expo floor photo showing visitors gathered around travel exhibitors and hospitality seating.
    [2026 edition] Official Vakantie Expo floor photo showing visitors gathered around travel exhibitors and hospitality seating.
    [2026 edition] Official Vakantie Expo floor photo showing a busy aisle and visitor seating area.
    [2026 edition] Official Vakantie Expo floor photo showing a busy aisle and visitor seating area.
    [2026 edition] Official Vakantie Expo photo showing a visitor queue inside Antwerp Expo.
    [2026 edition] Official Vakantie Expo photo showing a visitor queue inside Antwerp Expo.
    [2026 edition] Official Vakantie Expo photo showing visitors meeting travel exhibitors on the show floor.
    [2026 edition] Official Vakantie Expo photo showing visitors meeting travel exhibitors on the show floor.
    [2026 edition] Official elevated view of the Vakantie Expo exhibition floor and visitor traffic.
    [2026 edition] Official elevated view of the Vakantie Expo exhibition floor and visitor traffic.

    Testimonials

    De drie dagen zijn uitstekend verlopen. Er was een oprechte interesse vanuit de bezoekers en de dagen zijn voorbij gevlogen.

    · Standholder feedback reported by TravMagazine · 2026

    Dit was voor ons de beste editie tot nu toe.

    Hans Heymans · Captain Cruise · 2025

    Het is voor ons altijd een zeer goede beurs.

    Inge Bracke · Juntas / We Are Dubai · 2025

    Very well organised

    · Exhibitor testimonial · 2024

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    Vakantie Expo 2026 closed its fifth edition with 10% more visitors than 2025, a broad and qualitative exhibitor mix, and positive exhibitor feedback on visitor intent. Organisers positioned the show as a platform where travel professionals and consumers meet, plan and compare rather than browse passively.

    Audience quality

    High-value decision-makers

    The audience is consumer-facing and travel-intent driven. Organisers and exhibitors describe visitors as purposeful: they arrive to gather inspiration, compare options and speak with specialists. The 45-plus and group-travel segments are particularly responsive, and 2026 exhibitors reported strong interest and immediate bookings in some cases. Growth is being managed for quality rather than raw volume.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitor feedback from the 2026 edition was largely positive: a strong Friday opening, good weekend traffic and genuine visitor interest. Captain Cruise called it its best edition to date and reported immediate bookings. Other exhibitors noted that many visitors gather inspiration and book later, so ROI should be assessed on lead quality and follow-up rather than on-floor sales alone. Organisers emphasise uniform stands and service quality to help smaller and first-time exhibitors present professionally.

    Intelligence

    Exhibitors

    151

    Exhibitors

    11

    Categories

    23

    Countries

    15

    Pavilions

    Top exhibitor countries

    Top 10 by exhibitor count — estimates based on published directory.

    • Belgium
      80
    • Netherlands
      17
    • France
      13
    • Italy
      5
    • South Africa
      5
    • Uganda
      5
    • Spain
      4
    • Tanzania
      2
    • India
      2
    • Portugal
      2

    Category breakdown

    1~51
    estimate
    2~39
    estimate
    3~28
    estimate
    4~14
    estimate
    5~12
    estimate
    6~2
    estimate
    7~1
    estimate
    8~1
    estimate
    9~1
    estimate
    10~1
    estimate
    11~1
    estimate

    National pavilions

    Belgium

    ~80 stands
    estimate

    Netherlands

    ~17 stands
    estimate

    France

    ~13 stands
    estimate

    Italy

    ~5 stands
    estimate

    South Africa

    ~5 stands
    estimate

    Uganda

    ~5 stands
    estimate

    Spain

    ~4 stands
    estimate

    Tanzania

    ~2 stands
    estimate

    India

    ~2 stands
    estimate

    Portugal

    ~2 stands
    estimate

    Norway

    ~2 stands
    estimate

    Germany

    ~2 stands
    estimate

    Peru

    ~2 stands
    estimate

    Senegal

    ~1 stands
    estimate

    Austria

    ~1 stands
    estimate

    Buyer targets

    High priority

    Buyers sourcing

    Other Travel & Tourism Suppliers

    Buyers sourcing

    Tour Operators & Travel Agency Suppliers

    Buyers sourcing

    Adventure, Eco-Tourism & Safari Tour Operators

    Buyers sourcing

    Hotels, Resorts & Hospitality Accommodation Suppliers

    Buyers sourcing

    Cruises, Ferry, Yacht & Marine Tourism Suppliers

    Medium priority

    Buyers sourcing

    Luxury, Wellness & Medical Tourism Suppliers

    Buyers sourcing

    Travel & Tourism Suppliers (profile Pending)

    Buyers sourcing

    Rail, Coach, Ground Transport & Car Rental Suppliers

    Buyers sourcing

    Travel Media, Publishing & Marketing Services

    Buyers sourcing

    Tourism Boards, Government Ministries & Destination Promotion Organisations

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Benelux consumer travel and leisure market, centred on Flanders (Belgium) with strong pull from the Netherlands and France

    Why it matters

    Vakantie Expo sits in one of Europe's most travel-intensive consumer markets. Belgian households continue to prioritise holidays even as airfare pressure and airline capacity cuts reshape how they book. A mature outbound market of roughly 22 million trips abroad per year, combined with a strong domestic and Benelux visitor base, gives exhibitors access to high-intent consumers who arrive ready to compare destinations, accommodation and activity providers. The event's timing at the end of January places it early in the annual booking cycle, when travellers are actively converting inspiration into bookings for spring, summer and beyond. For destinations and travel brands, the Antwerp show offers direct B2C contact in a region where face-to-face advice still carries weight alongside digital and AI-assisted planning.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Steady outbound growth and resilient travel appetite

    Belgian outbound travel is forecast to rise steadily through 2030, with holidays remaining a high priority for consumers despite cost pressures. In 2025 Belgians made about 32 million trips, of which roughly 22.2 million were abroad, confirming a large and mature outbound market that consumer travel fairs can tap.

    Source
    02

    Low-cost airline pressure is reshaping trip planning

    Ryanair has threatened to cut 20 routes and more than one million seats in Belgium, and capacity reductions of 1.1 million seats are planned for 2026 with a further 1.1 million for 2027. This is pushing Belgian travellers to reconsider destination choice, timing and transport mode, increasing the value of face-to-face advice at consumer fairs.

    Source
    03

    Rail and alternative transport gain ground, but price remains a barrier

    Train travel is increasingly seen as an attractive alternative, yet European rail tickets typically cost two to two and a half times more than equivalent flights, which limits uptake for families. Exhibitors at consumer travel fairs can address this gap by packaging rail-based and multi-modal itineraries.

    Source
    04

    Active, outdoor and nature-based holidays are expanding

    Hiking, cycling and close-to-nature holidays are gaining share among Belgian travellers, and the range of specialist operators and destinations has widened accordingly. This aligns with the product mix at Vakantie Expo, where active and outdoor travel categories are explicitly featured.

    Source
    05

    AI-assisted trip planning is becoming mainstream

    In Q3 2025, 18% of travellers arriving in Europe used AI tools to help plan their trips, with younger travellers driving adoption. Belgian consumer travel fairs need to position exhibitors as trusted, expert counterweights to algorithmic planning by offering differentiated advice and bookable offers.

    Source

    Market news

    Latest updates from across the market.

    Ryanair threatens to cut 20 routes and over one million seats in Belgium

    Read

    Belgium records over 46 million overnight stays in 2025 as international arrivals diversify

    Read

    OECD highlights stable public tourism budgets and sustainability focus in Belgium

    Read

    Knokke-Heist launches 'Culinary Coastal Journey 2027' with European partners

    Read

    Benelux and neighbouring consumer travel fair circuit, Q1 2027

    January–February 2027, with the densest cluster between 14 January and 14 February

    The January–February 2027 window is crowded with consumer travel and leisure fairs across Belgium and its immediate neighbours. Vakantie Expo Antwerpen opens on 29 January, overlapping with Destinations London and sitting between the Dutch Vakantiebeurs in Utrecht and Germany's CMT Stuttgart and f.re.e Munich. Exhibitors targeting Benelux consumers can build a compact circuit that pairs Antwerp with Utrecht, Mons, and one or two German or UK consumer shows, while avoiding excessive overlap with the specialist cycling and hiking fairs in February.

    7–10 Jan 2027

    Vakantiebeurs (The GetAway)

    Utrecht, Netherlands

    Major Benelux consumer travel event at Jaarbeurs, combining trade and public days. Useful for exhibitors seeking Dutch-speaking visitors alongside the Flemish audience at Vakantie Expo.

    website
    15–17 Jan 2027

    Salon Vacances & Loisirs Mons

    Mons, Belgium

    Held at Lotto Mons Expo, this is the French-speaking Belgian counterpart to Vakantie Expo and reaches a complementary regional audience.

    website
    16–24 Jan 2027

    CMT Stuttgart

    Stuttgart, Germany

    Nine-day show with over 1,600 exhibitors across 10 halls, covering tourism, camping, caravanning, cycling and outdoor. Strong pull from German-speaking travellers and a benchmark for scale.

    website
    28–31 Jan 2027

    Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show London

    London, United Kingdom

    Held at Olympia London, overlapping directly with Vakantie Expo. Attracts an affluent, high-spend consumer audience and is the UK's flagship consumer travel fair.

    website
    10–14 Feb 2027

    f.re.e Munich

    Munich, Germany

    Five-day consumer show with around 1,000 exhibitors and more than 120,000 visitors, covering travel, caravanning, outdoor, wellness and cycling.

    website

    Mid-January Benelux and Germany cluster

    Vakantiebeurs (The GetAway)Salon Vacances & Loisirs MonsCMT Stuttgart

    These three events run largely in parallel and target Dutch-speaking, French-speaking and German-speaking consumer audiences respectively. Exhibitors can prioritise by language and regional focus rather than attempting all three.

    Late January Belgium–UK overlap

    Vakantie Expo AntwerpenDestinations: the Holiday & Travel Show London

    Both events run 28–31 January 2027, creating a direct clash for international exhibitors and speaker talent. Teams need to split resources or choose based on Benelux versus UK audience priorities.

    February Germany and specialist follow-up

    F.re.e Munich

    A later option for exhibitors who want a German consumer audience without the January pile-up, and a natural follow-on for outdoor, cycling and active-travel suppliers.

    Dates are drawn from organiser websites and published trade-show calendars. Vakantie Expo Antwerpen dates are confirmed on the official event FAQ and exhibitor page. Vakantiebeurs, Mons, CMT Stuttgart, Destinations London and f.re.e dates are sourced from organisers or established 2027 trade-show calendars; exhibitors should reconfirm with organisers before committing to travel.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · EUR

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    BRU

    Brussels Airport

    Direct train to Antwerp Central Station takes about 34 minutes, then tram 2 or 6 to the venue.

    40 km

    to venue

    24 min

    by car

    ANR

    Antwerp International Airport

    Smaller airport with select European connections; short taxi or bus ride to the city centre and venue.

    7 km

    to venue

    15 min

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    budget
    Antwerp South / Het Zuid or city centre near tram lines

    USD 55–110 / night

    Estimated ranges based on listed properties. B&B Hotel Antwerpen Zuid is about 1.9 km from Antwerp Expo and advertised from around £46 (approx. US$58); B&B Expo House is about 300 m from the venue. Prices vary by date and are not official event rates.

    mid range
    Antwerp South / Het Zuid, within walking distance of Antwerp Expo

    USD 90–260 / night

    Estimated ranges. Crowne Plaza Antwerp is 0.34 km from the venue and listed from about US$88; Mercure Antwerp City South is a 9-minute walk and advertised from €162.16 (approx. US$177); Pullman Antwerp is a 4-star option from €145.13 (approx. US$158).

    premium
    Antwerp city centre / theatre district

    USD 250–550 / night

    Estimated ranges. Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is a 5-star hotel about 2.6 km from the venue, with rates advertised from around £307 (approx. US$390) and higher depending on room type and date. Other 5-star and boutique options exist in the city centre.

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    Tram

    Estimated costStandard De Lijn city fare (approx. €2.50–€3 per single ticket)
    Best forTram 2 (towards Hoboken) or tram 6 (towards Olympiade) from Antwerpen-Centraal to the Antwerp Expo entrance

    Both trams stop directly at the entrance to Antwerp Expo, per the official Vakantie Expo FAQ.

    Bus

    Estimated costStandard De Lijn city fare
    Best forBus 17 (Rijnkaai – UZA Wilrijk) or bus 22 (Groenplaats – UZA Wilrijk) directly to Antwerp Expo

    The official event FAQ confirms these bus lines run directly to the venue.

    Shared bike

    Estimated costVelo Antwerpen day or ride pass (typically under €5)
    Best forVelo Antwerpen city bikes from any station in the city to the station at the Antwerp Expo entrance

    The official FAQ recommends Velo Antwerpen; a bike station is located at the venue entrance.

    Ride-hailing

    Estimated costVaries by distance and surge; airport transfers from Antwerp Airport are around €45
    Best forUber, Bolt, and Heetch operate throughout Antwerp; pick-up and drop-off near the venue

    Uber and Bolt are active in Antwerp; ride-hailing is a licensed alternative to street taxis.

    Car / parking

    Estimated costFree street parking at Vogelzanglaan (approx. 500 spaces), Jan Van Rijswijcklaan (approx. 200 spaces) and Desguinlei (approx. 400 spaces); paid visitors parking next to the venue; P+R Merksem, P+R Olympiade and P+R Luchtbal with tram connections
    Best forAntwerp Expo, Jan Van Rijswijcklaan 191, 2020 Antwerpen; the venue is outside the LEZ

    The official FAQ lists free and paid parking options. From 1 October 2025 the Tentoonstellingswijk zone applies: first two hours free with registration, then €0.80/hour, with updates from 22 December 2025.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa not required
    ATA Carnet: accepted
    TypeWho needs itFeeProcessing
    Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) – businessThird-country nationals subject to the visa requirement who travel to Belgium for business purposes, including attending trade fairs, meetings or negotiations, for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.—Generally 15 calendar days; up to 45 days if the application is referred to the Immigration Office.

    Nationals of many countries—including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and most EU/EEA countries—do not need a visa for short business stays of up to 90 days. The official Belgian list of visa-exempt nationalities is published by the Immigration Office (Dofi).

    Belgium is part of the ATA Carnet system and accepts carnets for temporary admission of goods for trade fairs, exhibitions, commercial samples, and professional equipment. The Belgian Chambers of Commerce are the national issuing and guaranteeing body. For certain procedures in Antwerp, carnets may need to be presented at the Diamond Office customs office.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    January is the coldest month in Antwerp, with daytime highs around 5–6°C and overnight lows near 0–2°C. Rain is frequent, averaging about 70–80 mm across 13–15 days, and occasional snow or sleet is possible.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Antwerp Expo is well connected by public transport. From Antwerp Central Station, tram 2 (direction Hoboken) or tram 6 (direction Olympiade) stop directly at the venue entrance. Bus lines 17 and 22 also serve the venue. Brussels Airport (BRU) has a direct train to Antwerp Central in about 34 minutes. By car, the venue is accessible via the E19 and E17 motorways and sits outside the low-emission zone (LEZ). Several hotels are within walking distance or a short tram ride, and the historic city centre is about 2 km away.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Language

    Dutch (Flemish) is the primary language in Antwerp. English is widely spoken, but a simple 'Hallo' and 'Dank u wel' (thank you) are appreciated.

    Tipping

    Service is included by law. Tipping is optional; rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is common in restaurants, but never expected.

    Greetings

    A firm, quick handshake with direct eye contact is the standard greeting in formal or first-time meetings.

    Cycling and walking

    Antwerp is very bike-friendly. Respect dedicated cycle lanes and pedestrian zones; do not walk in bike lanes.

    Dining customs

    Restaurant service can be relaxed; it is polite to greet staff when entering and to ask for the bill rather than waiting for it to be brought automatically.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: BRU

    Brussels Airport (BRU) has a direct train to Antwerp Central Station (about 34 minutes). From there, tram 2 or 6 reaches the venue in about 15–20 minutes. Antwerp International Airport (ANR) is closer but offers fewer international connections.

    Visa

    Visa requirements depend on nationality. EU/EEA nationals and nationals of many other countries can enter Belgium visa-free for short business trips. Other third-country nationals must obtain a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) before travelling.

    Processing: Typically 15 calendar days; up to 45 days if additional checks are required.

    Apply at least 15 days before travel and no earlier than 6 months in advance. Carry an invitation letter or event registration, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and sufficient funds. Biometrics may be required.

    Official

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Brussels Airport (BRU) is about 36 km from Antwerp Expo; a direct train reaches Antwerpen-Centraal in about 30 minutes, then tram 2 or 6 to the venue. A taxi or car from Brussels Airport takes about 36 minutes via motorway. Antwerp International Airport (ANR) is about 4.4 km from the venue; taxi transfers are approximately €45.

    Hotel → venue: Hotels in Antwerp South / Het Zuid are within walking distance (Crowne Plaza 0.34 km, Mercure 0.64 km, B&B Expo House 300 m). City-centre hotels are a short tram ride on lines 2 or 6 from Antwerpen-Centraal to the venue entrance. Berchem hotels are a short tram or bus ride away.

    Ride-hail: Uber, Bolt, and Heetch operate in Antwerp. Ride-hailing is licensed and widely used; airport transfers from Antwerp Airport cost around €45. Surge pricing may apply during peak event times.

    Public transit: Tram 2 (towards Hoboken) and tram 6 (towards Olympiade) from Antwerpen-Centraal stop at the Antwerp Expo entrance. Bus 17 (Rijnkaai – UZA Wilrijk) and bus 22 (Groenplaats – UZA Wilrijk) also run directly to the venue. De Lijn operates the network.

    Parking: Antwerp Expo is outside the LEZ. Free street parking: Vogelzanglaan (approx. 500 spaces), Jan Van Rijswijcklaan (approx. 200 spaces), Desguinlei (approx. 400 spaces), plus nearby streets. Paid visitors parking next to the venue on Vogelzanglaan (pay at the guard). P+R Merksem, P+R Olympiade and P+R Luchtbal offer cheap parking with tram 2 or 6 connections. From 1 October 2025 the Tentoonstellingswijk zone applies: first two hours free with registration, then €0.80/hour, with adjustments from 22 December 2025.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: January

    Temperature: 0°C to 6°C

    Seasonality: Frequent rain, averaging 70–80 mm over 13–15 days; occasional snow or sleet possible.

    Packing: Pack warm winter layers, a waterproof coat or jacket, an umbrella, hat, gloves and comfortable waterproof shoes.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    T-90

    Check entry requirements if travelling from outside the Schengen area — Guidance, not an organiser deadline. If a Schengen short-stay visa is required, the European Commission states a normal processing time of 15 days that can extend to 45 days; start earlier to allow for appointment availability.

    T-30

    Build a shortlist from the live 2027 exhibitor directory — Prioritise exhibitors matching your trip type: tour operators, destinations, accommodation, camping, cruises, safari/wildlife, active or outdoor travel, and tailor-made travel.

    T-21

    Book accommodation if an overnight stay is needed — Guidance. January 2027 Antwerp hotel-market data shows a broad price range, so compare refundable options early rather than assuming a fixed event hotel rate.

    T-14

    Buy the appropriate Vakantie Expo 2027 ticket — As of 24 October 2026, the official ticket shop lists an €8 early-bird day ticket valid Friday, Saturday or Sunday. The event FAQ lists the regular price at €10; children under 16 enter free.

    T-7

    Plan the route to Antwerp Expo — From Antwerpen-Centraal use tram 2 or 6, or bus 17 or 22. Free street parking is listed along Vogelzanglaan, Jan Van Rijswijcklaan, Desguinlei and nearby streets; paid visitor parking is also available next to the venue.

    T-3

    Prepare comparison questions and a decision sheet — Guidance. Compare inclusions, travel dates, cancellation terms, accommodation, transport, insurance and any show offer so conversations convert into a usable shortlist.

    T-1

    Recheck opening hours and priority exhibitors — Vakantie Expo Antwerpen 2027 runs 29-31 January from 10:00 to 18:00. The exhibitor directory can evolve, so recheck it immediately before visiting.

    T-0

    Arrive near opening and work the shortlist before browsing — Guidance. Start with the highest-priority exhibitors while energy and availability are strongest, then use the remaining time for discovery and second conversations.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    09:30

    Arrive, orient yourself and have the ticket ready before doors open

    Antwerp Expo entrance
    10:00

    Start with the highest-priority destinations, tour operators or travel agencies on your shortlist

    Vakantie Expo exhibition floor
    11:30

    Compare accommodation, camping, cruise, safari, active and tailor-made travel options

    Vakantie Expo exhibition floor
    13:00

    Lunch break and note the top three options worth revisiting

    On-site food and drink area
    14:00

    Run second conversations focused on price, inclusions, dates, cancellation terms and next steps

    Shortlisted exhibitor stands
    16:00

    Explore adjacent categories and new exhibitors instead of repeating the same comparison

    Vakantie Expo exhibition floor
    17:15

    Revisit the strongest options, collect final details and record follow-up actions

    Shortlisted exhibitor stands
    18:00

    Leave the fair and move to an optional city or networking plan

    Antwerp Expo / Antwerp

    Side trips

    4

    Museum Middelheim

    Open-Air Sculpture Museum and Park

    Short local trip from Antwerp Expo in south Antwerp

    Recommendation, not event-affiliated. A low-friction cultural stop with a large outdoor sculpture collection; useful if you want a quiet break before or after the fair.

    KMSKA Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp

    Art Museum

    South Antwerp; a short onward trip from the Expo area

    Recommendation, not event-affiliated. Strong option for an art-focused side trip without committing to a full historic-centre itinerary.

    Grote Markt

    Historic Square

    Historic centre; continue by tram, bus, bike or taxi from Antwerp Expo

    Recommendation, not event-affiliated. Central Antwerp landmark with guild houses, the town hall and many terraces, suitable for an informal post-show meet-up.

    Antwerp ZOO

    Zoo and Historic Attraction

    Beside Antwerpen-Centraal; combine with the direct tram connection between Central Station and Antwerp Expo

    Recommendation, not event-affiliated. Practical for visitors already routing through Antwerpen-Centraal and wanting a family-friendly city activity.

    Networking spots

    3

    Antwerp Travel Top 2027

    Official travel-industry networking event

    Current-edition event on Friday 29 January 2027 at Antwerp Expo, scheduled 16:00-21:00. Pitch Perfect describes it as an informal networking evening for strengthening existing contacts and making new connections in the travel sector.

    Vakantie Expo food and drink areas

    On-site informal meeting point

    Recommendation. The official FAQ confirms multiple food and drink options at the fair, but no dedicated 2027 networking programme is inferred from that fact.

    Grote Markt terraces

    Recommended post-show meetup area

    Recommendation, not event-affiliated. Visit Antwerp describes Grote Markt as the historic-centre heart with terraces and nearby restaurants, making it practical for informal conversations after the show.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Official 2027 stand pricing is not published directly on the website. The exhibitor brochure, which contains standformules and tarieven, is available upon request via the official exhibitor page.

    source

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Hotel × 3 nights$234.00
    • Per diem × 3$228.00
    • Visa$101.00
    Estimated total$563.00

    This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    early_bird_day_ticket_2027

    visitor · early_bird

    EUR 8 / ticket

    officialAs of 2026-10-24

    standard_day_ticket_2027

    visitor · standard

    EUR 10 / ticket

    officialAs of 2026-10-24

    child_under_16_admission

    visitor · child_under_16

    —

    officialAs of 2026-10-24

    de_lijn_single_trip

    both · contactless_or_standard_ticket

    EUR 3 / trip

    officialAs of 2026-10-24

    free_street_parking_listed_by_organiser

    both · public_street

    —

    officialAs of 2026-10-24

    paid_visitor_parking

    both · adjacent_venue_parking

    —

    unknownAs of 2026-10-24

    antwerp_hotel_january_2027_market_range

    both · market_range

    USD 78–210 / room/night

    estimateAs of 2026-10-24

    antwerp_daily_food_budget

    both · traveler_spend_range

    USD 34–152 / person/day

    estimateAs of 2026-10-24

    schengen_short_stay_visa_adult_if_required

    both · adult_standard

    EUR 90 / application

    officialAs of 2026-10-24

    booth_pricing_2027

    exhibitor · brochure_request_required

    —

    unknownAs of 2026-10-24

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Answer eight event-specific questions on audience fit, category fit, timing, readiness, travel friction, budget and ROI.

    QUESTION 1 OF 8

    How closely does Vakantie Expo's consumer travel audience match what you need?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    Visit when at least several current exhibitors fit your travel decision and face-to-face comparison can materially improve what you book or shortlist.

    Best for

    Consumers actively comparing destinations, tour operators, accommodation, cruises, safari, active or tailor-made travel and who value direct advice before booking.

    Min. budget

    $9.00

    Timeline

    About 1-2 weeks for a local visit; start much earlier if accommodation, international travel or a Schengen visa is required.

    Risks

    The public 2027 programme is not yet detailed enough to choose a best day by sessions.

    The exhibitor roster can continue to change before the event.

    Travel and hotel costs can outweigh the value if only one or two exhibitors are relevant.

    exhibit

    Exhibit when consumer acquisition or brand visibility in travel is strategic, the offer can be explained and progressed at the stand, and the team can follow qualified leads within 24-48 hours.

    Best for

    Travel organisations, destinations, accommodation providers, campsites, cruise and safari specialists, active or leisure operators and other brands with a clear direct-to-consumer proposition.

    Timeline

    Plan roughly 60-120 days for stand selection, staffing, campaign preparation and follow-up design; request the official 2027 brochure immediately because public stand prices are not available.

    Risks

    Public 2027 stand pricing, dimensions and inclusions are not verified, so total exhibit cost cannot yet be modelled reliably.

    Vakantie Expo is primarily a consumer fair; exhibitors seeking only trade buyers may have weaker fit.

    ROI depends on staff qualification quality and rapid post-show follow-up, not footfall alone.

    Cancellation liabilities escalate as the opening date approaches under the organiser's Terms & Conditions.

    skip

    Skip when audience fit is weak, travel friction is high relative to expected value, or the required result depends on B2B content, guaranteed buyer meetings or lead volumes the public event proposition does not promise.

    Best for

    Organisations with little consumer-travel relevance, purely B2B or wholesale goals, no workable event budget, or no capacity to convert and follow up show conversations.

    Timeline

    Make the decision before committing to a stand; if already contracted, review the organiser's cancellation bands immediately.

    Risks

    Skipping removes an opportunity for direct consumer feedback and regional brand visibility.

    Relevant competitors may still use the show to build awareness and leads.

    A skip decision based only on missing programme detail may be premature if the exhibitor roster itself is already a strong fit.

    Book with

    Partners

    Antwerp Expo

    Venue

    Vakantie Expo Antwerpen 2027 takes place 29-31 January at Antwerp Expo, Jan Van Rijswijcklaan 191, 2020 Antwerpen.

    Visit partner Confidence: high

    Official event FAQ confirms current-edition dates, hours, venue access and visitor logistics.

    Parking around Antwerp Expo

    Parking

    The event FAQ lists free parking along Vogelzanglaan, Jan Van Rijswijcklaan, Desguinlei, Le Grellelaan, Beukenlaan and surrounding streets, plus paid visitor parking next to Antwerp Expo.

    Visit partner Confidence: high

    Official event logistics.

    De Lijn public transport

    Transport

    Tram 2 and tram 6 connect Antwerpen-Centraal with Antwerp Expo; bus 17 and bus 22 also serve the venue. De Lijn lists a €3 contactless single trip.

    Visit partner Confidence: high

    Transport routes are confirmed by the event and venue; fare is from De Lijn.

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    When and where is Vakantie Expo 2027?
    Vakantie Expo 2027 runs from 29 to 31 January 2027 at Antwerp Expo, Jan Van Rijswijcklaan 191, 2020 Antwerpen.
    What are the opening hours?
    The fair is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 on 29, 30 and 31 January 2027.
    How much are tickets?
    Tickets cost €10. Children under 16 enter free.
    Can I buy tickets at the door?
    Yes, tickets are available online and at the ticket desk. Online booking is recommended to avoid waiting times.
    How do I reach Antwerp Expo by public transport?
    From Antwerpen-Centraal, take tram 2 towards Hoboken or tram 6 towards Olympiade; both stop at the entrance. Bus 17 and bus 22 also run directly to Antwerp Expo.
    Can I park at Antwerp Expo?
    Free parking is available at Vogelzanglaan (about 500 spaces), Jan Van Rijswijcklaan (about 200 spaces) and Desguinlei (about 400 spaces). Paid visitor parking is available next to Antwerp Expo, payable to the attendant. P+R Merksem, P+R Olympiade and P+R Luchtbal are also options.
    Is Antwerp Expo inside the low-emission zone?
    No, Antwerp Expo is outside Antwerp's low-emission zone (LEZ).
    Is the fair wheelchair accessible?
    Yes, Vakantie Expo is fully wheelchair-friendly. Adapted parking spaces are available at both entrances and the halls are easily accessible.
    Are dogs allowed?
    No, animals are generally not allowed in Antwerp Expo. Assistance dogs with the correct papers and equipment are welcome.
    Are food and drinks available?
    Yes, there are several food and drink options at Vakantie Expo.

    Glossary

    1
    Vakantie Expo
    Name of the Antwerp consumer travel fair; the 2027 edition is scheduled for 29–31 January at Antwerp Expo.
    2
    Antwerp Expo
    Venue at Jan van Rijswijcklaan 191, 2020 Antwerp, used for the 2027 edition.
    3
    Exposant
    An exhibiting travel organisation, destination, accommodation provider or activity provider.
    4
    Reisorganisatie
    A travel organisation or tour operator that packages and sells holidays and travel services.
    5
    Toeristische dienst
    A tourism service or destination body that promotes a region or travel offering.
    6
    Standformule
    An exhibitor stand package; stand formulas, rates and marketing packages are detailed in the organiser's exhibitor brochure.
    7
    LEZ
    Antwerp's low-emission zone; Antwerp Expo is located outside it, according to the event FAQ.

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