The animal park Pairi Daiza, in the Walloon Region, is currently working on the construction of a water park, with a planned opening in 2027. Funding for this project was achieved through, among other sources, an employment subsidy from the Walloon government. Due to political uproar – and subsequently public opinion – the management has now decided to forgo this subsidy. In a press release, Pairi Daiza explains its decision.
In December 2025, the Walloon Government granted an investment subsidy of 11,5 million euros to Pairi Daiza within the existing legal framework for investments and job creation. This support was part of a private investment dossier of 106 million euros and the planned creation of 275 jobs.
This support system has been in place for years and has been applied under various successive governments to companies investing in economic projects in Wallonia with a clear impact on employment. It was therefore by no means an exceptional measure specific to Pairi Daiza.
Pairi Daiza understands that questions and concerns regarding this exist among a segment of public opinion. In the current budgetary context within Wallonia, the company wishes to assume its responsibility. In these economically challenging times, it is fair that everyone makes their contribution based on a sustainable long-term vision.
This decision in no way undermines the legitimacy of the originally planned support measure, which is explicitly provided for in Walloon legislation. We appreciate the clarity and courage of the Walloon Minister of Economy in consistently explaining this legal framework.
The fact that this measure was sometimes presented in a caricatural manner as a gift led to confusion, which Pairi Daiza deeply regrets, not for itself, but for the sake of Wallonia's image as a region for ambition, entrepreneurship, and investment. Pairi Daiza remains convinced that sustainable projects, innovation, and job creation deserve continued support.
For over thirty years, Pairi Daiza in Wallonia has been building a project based on one simple conviction: nature, beauty, and wonder can become a lever for sustainable development in an entire region. The future water park will be the next important step in that ambition.
Eric Domb, Chairman-Founder Pairi Daiza