The tourism sector in the Netherlands is growing faster than the national economy: tourists spent 111 billion euros last year
The Netherlands witnessed a significant increase in tourism last year, with local and foreign tourists spending a total of 111.2 billion euros. This represents an increase of approximately 6 billion euros compared to the previous year, according to data released by Statistics Netherlands.
The tourism sector has grown at a faster pace than the Dutch economy as a whole, driven by a strong recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel restrictions and the closure of hospitality facilities significantly impacted the sector, but since then it has continued to grow, surpassing the overall economic growth rate.
However, the sector has not fully recovered from the effects of the pandemic, as the level of employment is still lower than it was in 2019, the last year before the crisis. But job opportunities in tourism increased last year, especially in travel agencies and the aviation sector, according to the statistics authority.
The local residents of the Netherlands were the largest contributors to spending, having spent over 67 billion euros. Foreign tourists also contributed significantly, and their spending includes payments made abroad but through Dutch companies, such as online bookings with travel agencies based in the Netherlands.
These recent figures confirm the importance of tourism as a driving force for the Dutch economy, demonstrating its resilience and growth despite the ongoing recovery from the challenges of the pandemic period.