Argy-bargy in Bruges: canal boat operators forced to let outsiders ply their trade

Five families who have run the city's famous tours for decades face potential competition from China - and, even worse, nearby Ghent

For decades, five families in Bruges have run the tourist boats that chug serenely along the beautiful Flemish city's picturesque canals. Day in, day out, the guides describe the medieval belfry, low-sweeping bridges and rich history of this Venice of the north".

But there may be stormy waters ahead for the boaters of Bruges. There is talk that Chinese investors and, even worse, people from Ghent, known locally as Stroppendragers or noose-bearers, could make waves.