Ghent has over 700 more hotel rooms than 5 years ago: "Especially small hotels and guesthouses are on the rise"

In Ghent, the number of hotels and hotel rooms has significantly increased over the past five years, now totaling 58 hotels with 3,252 rooms. The growth is mainly in small guesthouses, while a hotel stop in the city center limits large establishments. The city aims to combat overtourism by promoting tourist distribution outside the center, allowing larger hotels near the AA Gent stadium and train station. Existing projects can still proceed, and exceptions may be made for historical buildings to preserve them. The rise of small hotels is seen as a positive alternative to illegal rentals, with stricter regulations planned for unlicensed accommodations.