Earlier this year, the Belgian Travel Service took a group of trainee travel agents on an educational trip to Belgium. Travelling by Eurostar, the agents, all from Bakers Dolphin, spent on night in Brussels and one night in Bruges. They toured Bruges by horse and cart, visited a local brewery to sample Belgian beer and the chocolate shops to sample the famed Belgian confectionery. We asked three agents for their impressions before and after the trip.
Before: “I had never been to Belgium before and this was my first educational. I didn’t really know what to expect from an educational and I didn’t really think of Belgium as a place for tourists at all. Most city-break clients seemed to know which city they wanted to visit but I had never been asked about Belgium and it wasn’t a place I’d recommend. I imagined it was really a place for politicians and business people – that the cities would be pretty characterless and that there wouldn’t really be very much to do.”
After: “Belgium is a real surprise and much more enjoyable than I imagined. Brussels is pretty much like a lot of capital cities – although there is an attractive square and enough of interest to fill a day’s sightseeing. Bruges however is really lovely and well worth a longer visit. Bruges is surprisingly old and very attractive. The buildings are very traditional and you quickly get a feel for the local lifestyle. There is not a great deal for my age group but for older people looking for a quiet relaxed city break it is ideal. The chocolate is wonderful and the excursions to the brewery are great fun.”
Michelle Kennedy, Bakers Dolphin, Weymouth, Age: 20
Before: “I had never been to Belgium before but my manager had been and she said it was really great for chocolate so I was looking forward to going. I had looked through all the brochures and read up on the place a bit and got the idea it would be very picturesque and quaint. We don’t sell many holidays to Belgium at all and it wasn’t a place I ever thought of recommending because I just didn’t feel able to explain the attractions very well. I was keen to go and felt personal experience of the place would really help me to advise my clients.”
After: “I am very glad I have been to Belgium and now feel very able to match clients to the destination and then tailor my recommendations to the tastes of different clients. I always recommend clients visit both Bruges and Brussels because they are both interesting but if a client wants a predominantly cosmopolitan, busy atmosphere I suggest being based in Brussels; if they want a more quiet and relaxed break I say stay in Bruges. Bruges is a fairytale kind of place and even though I’m not one for history and culture I did find it very interesting. Brussels is more for me – lots of bars and cafes and good nightlife.”
Danielle Wilson, Trainee Travel Consultant, Bakers Dolphin, Chippenham, Age: 19