Hotel sector appointment and priorities for 2024

The Brussels Hotels Association appointed Willem van der Zee as its new President, succeeding Yves Fonck, and announced the industry's priorities for 2024.

Elected unanimously, Willem van der Zee will work closely with the association's secretary-general Rodolphe Van Weyenbergh, and with the other directors and members to further develop the tourism and hotel sector. Mr Van der Zee takes over from Yves Fonck, who is ending his term but remains an active member and director of the BHA.

Willem van der Zee has built an international professional career characterised by his commitment and expertise in the Belgian and Brussels hotel sector. He has always maintained strong links with the local economy. Previously, his positions included Director Belgium at Radisson from 2006 to 2010, while leading the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Brussels. From 2012 to 2015, he was Vice President Radisson Central Europe.

Since September 2022, Willem van der Zee is adding a new chapter to his career by becoming Director of Operations for Belgium at Pandox, a leading Swedish hotel investment group. In this role, he will oversee the operation of six hotels in Brussels and consolidate Pandox's presence in the region's hotel landscape. At the same time, he is General Manager of The Hotel, a renowned hotel in the capital.

Willem van der Zee wants to continue his efforts with the government to make Brussels even more attractive for both tourists and business travellers. In this regard, he points out that it is crucial to complete the Neo project with a congress hall for more than 5,000 people. He also welcomes Brussels' investment in projects such as the Bourse and the future Kanal museum, which are both ambitious and necessary new centres of the Region's international influence and development, open to both Brussels residents and tourists.

" The economic development of the sector can only be fully realised if we address the environmental and social challenge. This can only be achieved by combining public and private involvement and investment. This partnership is key to reducing emissions from the hotel sector by 35 to 40% by the end of the decade. Why not strive to put the Brussels hotel and flat sector at the forefront of sustainable and social development? Our strength lies in our jobs, which are varied and accessible to all. The sector's social commitments, such as its collaboration with TADA Future Ateliers de l'Avenir, are essential. They need to be strengthened, and we need to open the doors of our hotels even further, build bridges and offer training. This is the way to attract talent and raise the profile of our companies, our sector and Brussels, " says Willem van der Zee.

Finally, he is pleased that the parliamentary committee last week approved the new regulations on tourist accommodation. This is an important step to end unfair competition in the sector. He now calls for swift implementation of the ordinance by the Brussels government.

" Whether working for large groups or as independents, we look positively to the future and would like to thank all those involved for the work they have done. During this legislature, we have overcome crises with all levels of government and, above all, found solutions. It is in this spirit that we hope to continue, concludes Willem van der Zee.

The Brussels Hotels Association (BHA) is the trade association for the hotel sector. Its members represent more than 17,900 rooms in the Brussels Capital Region (90% of the sector) and the economic hinterland, and include independent hotels as well as chain and aparthotels.