'Ideal start' to summer for Belgian coast businesses

Businesses on the Belgian coast have enjoyed a busy weekend, with hotel occupancy rates around 90% due to the warm weather.

According to tourism association Kusthotels, several hundred thousand day-trippers gave a boost to the local economy. Lifeguards were back on patrol in the 10 seaside resorts, two weeks earlier than usual.

"It's an ideal start to the season," said Kusthotels president Bart Boelens. Restaurants and shops were able to seek extra help from students, many of whom have now finished their end-of-year exams.

The hot weather will continue over the coming days, according to the Royal Meteorological Institute. The temperature should stay around the 30°C mark in Brussels until at least Thursday, although Wednesday might be slightly cooler due to a north-easterly wind from the coast. Storms are forecast late on Thursday.