The top-level domain (TLD) .brussels is a geographical TLD (gTLD) representing the city of Brussels, the capital of Belgium. According to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), geographical TLDs aim to cater specific communities based in geographic locations, like cities for instance, and enhance their online business (source: ICANN).
The .brussels TLD, as you can infer, is thus specific to entities and individuals associated with the city of Brussels. This domain was delegated to DNS Belgium, the national registry for .be, as per ICANN on January 2, 2014, and went live for the general public on September 1, 2015 (source: IANA). They manage the .brussels, along with .vlaanderen and .gent domains, offering a recognizable and tailored internet presence for organizations or individuals that identify with the city of Brussels.
Use of .brussels TLD involves significant benefits. For starters, it offers a clear geographical indication, helping businesses and organizations reach a more targeted audience for their products or services. It can also boost local pride and portrayal of the city in the digital world, enhancing the visibility of businesses and helping locals form better online communities. Examples of websites using this TLD include www.visit.brussels, the official tourism website for the city, and www.metrotime.brussels, a local news outlet.
However, domain registrations under .brussels have seen a fluctuating trend. According to CENTR (Council of European National Top-Level Domain Registries), .brussels saw a significant drop in domain names (-6.1%) for the Q4 of 2020 (source: CENTR). But, the local nature of the domain, combined with its potential in highlighting Brussels’s cultural identity, means that it holds potential given strategic business uses and wider acknowledgment among locals.
In conclusion, the .brussels TLD offers an online identifier for the city of Brussels, creating opportunities for businesses, organisations, or individuals associated with the city to create a local feel to their digital presence. Businesses in particular, can leverage this to target their audience more effectively. It is managed by DNS Belgium, who launched it in 2015. While currently not as popular as some other city or regional TLDs, it holds potential for growth.
Sources:
1. ICANN: www.icann.org
2. Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA): www.iana.org
3. Council of European National Top-Level Domain Registries (CENTR): www.centr.org
4. DNS Belgium: www.dnsbelgium.be.
