Belgian resort town enforces zero tolerance as heatwave sparks visitor surge

As Belgium braces for a significant heatwave, coastal towns like Knokke-Heist are implementing a "zero tolerance" policy to manage the anticipated surge in visitors. The resort town, expecting to be swamped by day-trippers arriving by train, is bolstering its security and sanitation measures to avoid a repeat of past disturbances.

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In all busy places, from the train station to the promenade and the beach, there will be a reinforced and visible presence of police and peacekeepers. The scale of the deployment will be adapted daily according to the situation on the ground.

Mayor Cathy Coudyser announced a reinforced presence of police and peacekeepers in all busy areas, from the train station to the seafront promenade and beach. This deployment will be adjusted daily based on the on-the-ground situation. "At the train station, police will be present during train arrivals to best manage the flow of people," she stated, emphasizing that respect for the environment, residents, and fellow tourists is an absolute requirement.

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Knokke-Heist is a municipality where everyone is welcome, provided that everyone shows respect for the environment, the inhabitants, and other tourists. Anyone who behaves disrespectfully or causes disturbances can expect the strictest approach.

Knokke-Heist has also allocated a budget of 66,000 euros for additional waste collectors to keep beaches and promenades clean. Traffic management measures, including signage directing motorists to parking areas, are also in place. "We are seeing that our approach is bearing fruit. The collaboration between the municipality, the police zone, beach police, and peacekeepers is better coordinated than ever this year," Coudyser added.

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We are seeing that our approach is bearing fruit. The collaboration between the municipality, the police zone Damme-Knokke-Heist, the beach police and the peacekeepers is better coordinated than ever this year.

The mayor stressed that while visitors are welcome, disrespectful behavior or disturbances will be met with the "strictest approach." This firm stance aims to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone, maintaining the town's reputation for elegance while managing the challenges of mass tourism during peak weather conditions.

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Our message to all those who come to Knokke-Heist this weekend is this: you are welcome. But respect for the inhabitants, other tourists and our municipality is not an option, it is an absolute condition.