Inbound tourist volume in the Netherlands expanded at a CAGR of 3.20% over the last five years

Monday 30 September 2013, Amsterdam

Tourist values in the Netherlands increased between 2008 and 2012 due to the country’s improved travel infrastructure and the availability of cheaper travel options. The country’s inbound tourist volume expanded at a CAGR of 3.20% over the last five years and is expected to record growth at a CAGR of 1.29% until, at least, 2017. However, the government’s expenditure on tourism was less than in neighboring countries at EUR32.4 billion, accounting for only 5.4% of the country’s GDP in 2012. Meanwhile, Germany, the UK and France spent EUR119.9 billion, GBP106.3 billion and EUR197.6 billion on tourism respectively. This low expenditure is expected to have an adverse impact on the country’s travel and tourism sector over the next five years.

As a result of the European debt crisis, the Dutch economy recorded slow growth in 2012. However, the economic outlook for 2013 suggests recovery with an expected GDP growth of 1.3% and 2.5% by 2014. The travel and tourism sector in the Netherlands is therefore expected to record moderate but consistent growth over the next five years.

Short holidays and cheaper foreign destinations are becoming more popular among Dutch tourists. While growth was recorded in the Dutch travel and tourism sector in the first half of 2011, economic uncertainty and a rise in unemployment rates, from 3.7% in 2009 to 4.4% in 2011, suppressed consumer confidence, resulting in a decline in the second half of 2011. The number of inbound tourists to the Netherlands increased over the last five years. Emerging economies such as Brazil, Russia, India and China contributed to this increasing volume

According to the Internet World Stats report in 2012, the Netherlands had the highest proportion of households with access to the internet in Europe with 93%. Citizens use the internet to make online bookings, find information, and book transport and accommodation between two to six months prior to going on a trip. Online channels will therefore be a key driver of growth among travel intermediaries.
    
Many tour operators connect with customers through social media channels and renovate their web presence to offer more dynamic tour packages. Innovations such as customized mobile apps are also expected due to an increase in the use of mobile devices for accessing tour operator services. Airport infrastructure in the country is being improved to handle increased passenger traffic. For example, Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport plans to invest EUR1.0 billion in improving its facilities to free up airspace for further expansion. The main aim is to expand Lelystad’s runway for use by thousands of charter flights by 2017.

The hotel market’s performance is expected to improve over the next five years, with total revenue recording a CAGR of 3.31% and the number of guests increasing at a CAGR of 1.75%, in line with the growth in inbound and domestic tourist volumes. Demand for accommodation will be met with the development of new establishments. For example, construction of a new Hilton hotel with 433 guest rooms, restaurant facilities and a walkway connecting the hotel with the Schiphol airport terminal will replace the existing Hilton hotel.

In 2012, The Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions’ (NBTC) was primarily prompted by cutbacks in grants-in-aid that NBTC receives from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. As of 2015, EUR8.3 million will be available annually for the promotion of the Netherlands’ as a leisure and business destination. The grants-in-aid will be gradually reduced by 50%, adversely impacting the organization’s marketing activities.


This report offers:
• In depth analysis and market overview of the Travel and Tourism market in the Netherlands including market dynamics, key trends and issues and a SWOT analysis.
• An insight into the performance outlook and key trends/issues of the three main tourism flows, domestic, inbound and outbound.
• A segmented breakdown of the sectors within the Dutch Travel and Tourism market including airlines, hotels, car rental and travel intermediaries.
• A look into an assortment of Dutch airlines, hotels, car rental companies and more including company overviews, services, history, employees, etc.


This will facilitate:
• The increasing of your knowledge of the Travel and Tourism industry in the Netherlands.
• Your understanding of the key drivers and issues within this industry.
• A clear understanding of market opportunities and entry strategies to gain or grow your market share in the Dutch Travel and Tourism market.
• A greater understanding of the competitive landscape of the Dutch Travel and Tourism industry.


Target audience
• Travel and Tourism companies (Dutch and Global).
• Suppliers to Travel and Tourism companies.
• Contractor research organizations.
• Trade body, academia or other industry observers.
• Companies involved at any stage in the manufacturing, procurement and marketing process.