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The Belgian capital is taking a major step towards sustainable tourism by swapping horses for electric carriages, winning applause from tourists and activists.
Not only has Brussels made history by swapping traditional horse-drawn carriages for electric carriages, it is also inspiring other cities to follow suit. This change, which began in June, has already transformed the tourist experience in the heart of the Belgian capital and eliminated the use of animals on tourist tours.
A decision was widely celebrated by residents, tourists and animal protection organizations, such as PETA, who applauded the choice of more sustainable and ethical transport. But this change also raises interesting debates about the future of tourism in historic cities.
The end of traditional horse-drawn carriages
A The innovation came from Thibault Danthine, a former owner of horse-drawn carriages in Brussels. In 2022, Danthine was already concerned about the growing discomfort of tourists and activists with the use of animals. That year, after selling his horses, he asked the city council for support to finance his electric carriages. And it worked! The move was seen as a milestone not only for the city, but for the whole of Europe.
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Criticism of the use of animals in tourism gained strength after the death of a horse in Seville in 2023, amid a heat wave. Since then, the protests have become more intense, but Thibault had already anticipated this by investing in his first two electric vehicles. According to him, many tourists were unhappy with the use of horses and complained about the noise and smell in the streets. Some even shouted “Shame!” as the carriages passed through the city.
Support from the population and tourists
Acceptance of the change was rapid. Brussels, known for its stunning architecture and bustling streets, has gained a new attraction with electric carriages. Residents and tourists welcomed the initiative. Sari, a local student, celebrated the change: “The horses made a lot of noise and smelled bad. It was cruel to leave them out in the open for so many hours with so many tourists around.”
A transition was even more well-received with the support of PETA, who celebrated on X (formerly Twitter): “We love the new electric horseless carriages in Brussels. After banning horse-drawn carriages, Brussels has become the first European city to offer this new, eco-friendly form of transport to tourists.".
Technical details of electric carriages
For those who think that new vehicles have no charm, it is worth highlighting the technological innovation behind them. Thibault's electric carriages have an impressive range of 120 km. In other words, he only needs to recharge the batteries every two days, which makes his daily work much easier.
The carriages are completely silent and do not emit polluting gases, which improves the experience for both those on the ride and those living in the city. The change has attracted attention from other European cities, interested in adopting the same model for their tourist tours.
The price and experience of the tours
For those who want to experience this new experience in Brussels, the tour costs €70 – the equivalent of R$432. The electric carriages accommodate up to five people., ensuring a comfortable and modern experience without giving up contact with the historic city. What's more, tourists leave with a clear conscience, knowing that they are contributing to more ethical tourism.
Brussels' decision to adopt electric carriages is already making waves
Brussels’ decision to adopt electric carriages is already making waves across Europe. The positive impact on animals, reduced noise pollution and lower carbon emissions is inspiring other cities to review their practices. What began as a response to ethical demands from tourists and activists could become a new trend in sustainable tourism in historic areas.
In the end, the exchange of traditional horse-drawn carriages for electric carriages in Brussels proves that it is possible to maintain the charm of a historic city as we move towards a more sustainable and ethical future.
What's up, What do you think of this change in Brussels, with electric carriages replacing horses in buggies?? The city is setting an example for more ethical and sustainable tourism, but also raising debates about the future of tourist tours in historic places.
