Belgium is offering free train trips to all to encourage travel post-lockdown

With lockdown measures being relaxed, countries are trying to figure out means to boost tourism. Likewise, to kickstart the sector again, domestic tourism needs to get an essential boost to go up and running. But how? Here’s how Belgium is setting up an example by giving its domestic tourism the necessary push.
As per the latest reports, as Belgium is gradually reopening after three months of lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19, the government has come up with a unique idea. It is offering free 10-trip rail passes to all residents in the country.

On June 8, Belgium entered the third phase of its lockdown-easing measures, with almost all businesses resuming operations again, such as cafes, restaurants, hotels, but with precautions in place.
Now, in this scenario, the government has decided to provide these rail passes to encourage domestic tourism, and also help stimulate the economy at the same time. It is expected that after spending most of spring indoors, there is a possibility that a lot of people will be looking forward to ways to safely travel during the coming months.

Reportedly, the passes will be valid from July to December 2020, and can be used anywhere in Belgium.

The 10-journey rail passes, which normally will cost €83 for passengers aged over 26, is now being distributed for free for all residents, and can be used between July 1 and December 1. Also, Belgians will be able to take their bikes on the train for free.

Brussels, the Belgian capital, and the major cities of Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp are all accessible by train, as well as the forested hills of the Ardennes region.