The Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC), which is responsible for marketing the country internationally, is considering not promoting the country as a tourist destination but instead will focus on trying to manage the huge numbers of arrivals. This could impact inbound medical travel.
In recent years, the number of people visiting the Netherlands has increased. This small country of 17 million people attracted 19 million tourists in 2018 and the prediction for 2030 is 29 million or more.
So the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC) is considering not promoting the country as a tourist destination but instead will try to manage the huge numbers coming in by plane, train and car.
A strategy document suggests solutions including actively dissuading people from visiting certain areas through means such as closing down some attractions to imposing a tourist tax. It aims to future-proof development of destination Holland, as a loved, valuable and liveable destination.
The nuisance factor to locals of tourists in parts of the Netherlands means that the tourist board is encouraging regions to take up a policy of “develop and discourage” by stopping new hotels or extra airport capacity being built.
Amsterdam, home to 1.1 million people, attracts more than 17 million visitors a year when including day-trippers and Dutch locals.
Europeans are the most likely to visit the Netherlands, with Germans and Belgians making up 42% of all tourists.
Parts of the Netherlands, such as the province of Zeeland and Groningen, are relatively overlooked, so NBTC will promote those places.
Other places reacting to over tourism with restrictions, include Venice, Barcelona and Paris.
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