Ostend: The Added Value of Return on Experience (ROX) Starts by the Sea

That Unmistakable Holiday Feeling: A City and the Sea on a Human Scale

Ostend presents itself as a compact and walkable city, a strength that conference attendees greatly appreciate. The proximity of the North Sea, the beach and the seafront promenade creates an instant holiday feeling, which is essential for a high ROX. After an intensive day at the conference, there is the opportunity to ‘get some fresh air’, take a stroll along the beach or the Galleries, and relax completely. This sense of tranquillity and accessibility sets the city apart.

A Cultural and Culinary Journey of Discovery

Ostend’s cultural and culinary scene plays a major role in the overall experience:

• Culture and Art: Ostend is inextricably linked to art and culture. The James Ensor House, the birthplace of the Belgian master James Ensor, is a major cultural attraction. Mu.ZEE is currently undergoing a major refurbishment, which will further enhance the city’s cultural appeal. In addition, The Crystal Ship, an open-air street art museum, offers a creative experience throughout the city.
• Gastronomy on the Rise: Ostend has seen a significant improvement in the quality of its gastronomy in recent years. Listings in culinary guides such as Gault&Millau have seen an impressive rise; the number of establishments in the guide has risen from 6 in 2020 to no fewer than 19 this year. The focus is on the local and authentic, with initiatives such as Gone Fishing and Ostendaise that perfectly align with the maritime identity. Ostend is the capital of the shrimp croquette and is committed to sustainable food, short supply chains and the cultivation of local produce.

High-quality Accommodation and Service

The Return on Experience is also determined by the comfort and professionalism of the facilities.

• The Hotel Sector: Ostend’s hotel sector is undergoing a continuous drive to improve quality, with a significant increase in the number of four-star hotels in recent years. Participants and organisers appreciate the excellent value for money, which ensures a competitive and high-quality offering. An additional advantage is the wide range of hotels with modern meeting facilities, all of which are centrally located and within walking distance of the main venues.
• Excellent Service: The logistics and technical support in Ostend has received very positive feedback, with praise for its professionalism and high standard of service.

Content Enrichment: The Blue Economy as a Knowledge Niche

Whilst the overall experience is key, Ostend also offers a unique niche in terms of content. The Blue Economy (focusing on the sea, science and innovation) positions the city as a ‘knowledge city’ and a living laboratory.

Meet in Ostend aligns the mission of associations linked to the sea and sustainability with local expertise. Successful conferences such as IKUWA8 (underwater archaeology) and EMSEA (ocean literacy) demonstrate that this focus creates a lasting impact.

Future-proof infrastructure

The city is enhancing its offering with forward-looking infrastructure. In addition to existing venues such as De Grote Post and the ACEG Wellington Hippodrome, Kursaal Ostend is currently undergoing a major transformation. The stylish, refurbished Lounge has already opened as a multifunctional event venue with sea views. This Lounge is the first phase of the large-scale renovation, which will transform the entire Kursaal into an ultra-modern conference and events complex by early 2027. With the integration of an innovative modular flooring system, the concert hall will have a capacity of over 3,000 visitors, making the Kursaal the largest modular venue in Belgium and positioning Ostend even more attractively for major international conferences.

In short, the Return on Experience in Ostend is a comprehensive package that combines a professional conference with the unforgettable, cultural and culinary experience of a seaside holiday.