Tourism and business affected, as Brussels closes down

The Belgian and European Union capital locked down over authorities' concerns about a "serious and imminent” attack similar to the one in Paris

Recent events in Paris led the officials in Brussels to tighten security measures: the city locked down.

Subway, schools, malls, museums, cinemas, restaurants and many shops are closed since Saturday.

The decision led to concerns about how it could affect the country's economy. Tourist attractions have been so far the most affected points in the city. Foreign tourist began calling off their visits here, as 40 per cent of bookings were canceled.

Olivier Willocx, head of the Beci chamber of commerce, stated about the current situation:

"It's worse than the economic impact the attacks had on Paris itself. It's the psychological effect, people are anxious, they are expecting something to happen.

"In Paris, they want to show they have survived, that their lives go on. Here it is the opposite: it didn't happen and people fear it will.”

The Christmas Eve is a vital period for the city tourism. The 150 hotels in the city usually open their gates for guests on November 27^th, when the season is supposed to begin. But in this moment, Brussels faces an unprecedented situation.

"If it only is Saturday-Monday, the businesses can handle it. If you can't get your jeans today, you will get them next week. Museums will have a worse day or two but it will be manageable in the end. But if it goes on for several more days or weeks - it'll become very problematic”, Sanderijn Vanleenhove, spokeswoman for the UNIZO association, declared.

According to Brussels' tourism office, the recent recovery after the financial crisis led to 3.3 million visitors in 2013, with a significant growth in 2014. Now, the city experiences another crises that hurts the tourism sector.

ING economist Philippe Ledent thinks that: "We are in a recovery situation. If it's just an emotion, it's not a real problem. But if it is long-lasting, then there could be a deeper impact on consumer confidence and then on private consumption."