Fewer Dutch people are planning summer holidays
In total, about two-thirds of the Dutch population want to go on summer vacation this year, which is almost 10,5 million Dutch people. The number of Dutch people with summer holiday plans has therefore decreased by about 50.000 compared to last year (-0,5%).
About 7,5 million Dutch people are going abroad this summer and 2,5 million Dutch people are celebrating summer holidays in their own country. Approximately 500.000 Dutch people have not yet made a choice for a domestic or foreign holiday. This is shown by large-scale research NBTC-NIPO Research every year at the beginning of April to the holiday plans of the Dutch population.
France and Spain most popular foreign destinations
Most summer vacation plans involve a holiday abroad. About 7,5 million Dutch people are planning to go abroad next summer. This is almost 150.000 less than last year (-2%). Despite a drop in the number of plans, France remains by far the number one foreign destination this summer (1,3 million). Followed by Spain, which is also losing some popularity (800.000). Greece, which ranks fifth, shows the most growth (+150.000). After last year's drop, the distant destinations are also more popular (+100.000).
Camping in your own country popular next summer
About 2,5 million Dutch people want to spend the summer holidays in their own country; that is 50.000 more than the year before (+2%). There are more plans, especially for camping (+75.000). The most popular provinces in the Netherlands this summer are: Gelderland (325.000), Limburg and Zeeland (each about 275.000).
Almost 30% of holidaymakers still have to book/reservation
The group that does not yet know where the trip will go next summer has also increased compared to last year: about 500.000 Dutch people have not yet made a choice for a domestic or foreign holiday. Last year there were about 400.000. In addition, about fifty-five percent of all summer holiday plans have already been recorded in a booking at the beginning of April. Last year that percentage was still almost sixty. Almost thirty percent of holidaymakers still have to book and more than fifteen percent go on spec.
We may hope that those who want to go to distant destinations.
Still see Thailand as a holiday country as a first option.
The people here who work hard here and earn their money in the tourist industry.
Could definitely use some help from Europe.
Jan Beute.