Dutch tourists spend more on holidays abroad than last year

In the first quarter of 2009, Dutch tourist spending abroad increased by 1.7 billion euro, i.e. 4 percent relative to one year previously. Foreign tourists visiting the Netherlands, on the other hand, spent far less than they did one year previously.

Tourist spending

Foreign tourists spend far less in the Netherlands

Dutch tourist spending abroad is increasing, but foreign tourists visiting the Netherlands do not follow suit. In the first quarter of 2009, foreigners spent 1 billion euro in the Netherlands during tourist trips, i.e. 17 percent down on the same quarter of 2008.

Tourist spending, 2006–2009

Tourists spend more abroad, less in the Netherlands

Foreign tourist spending in the Netherlands has declined since the second quarter of 2008. In the period covering the last three quarters of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009, foreign tourist spending fell by 12 percent relative to the same period one year previously, whereas Dutch tourist spending abroad grew by 7 percent over the same period. 

Spanish tourists spend considerably less in the Netherlands

Spending by Spanish tourists in the Netherlands dropped 28 percent over the past four quarters. English (-19 percent), Swiss (-15 percent) and German (-14 percent) tourists also spent far less in the Netherlands. Apart from the global recession, it needs to be borne in mind that Easter was in the second quarter in 2009 and in the first quarter in 2008.

Dutch tourists spend much more in the US

In the period 2nd quarter 2008–1st quarter 2009, the total amount spent by Dutch tourists visiting the US increased by 36 percent. With 15 and 12 percent respectively, Dutch tourists visiting Switzerland and Italy also spent considerably more.

Ben Schoffelen