The number of Dutch people with holiday plans is higher this year than last year. This is evident from research by the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions (NBTC), which was published on Monday. Currently, 9 out of 10 respondents intend to go on holiday in the next 12 months. This is more than last year, when 8 out of 10 indicated that they would go on holiday in the coming year. It is striking that sustainability, rising prices and extreme weather conditions play an important role in holiday choices. Among Dutch people, 51% have already booked a holiday and another 39% intend to do so. The month of May in particular appears to be a popular holiday month among the Dutch; 1 in 5 have holiday plans for the month of May. The ANVR previously concluded that bookings are well made for the May holidays this year. This is evident from the nineteenth edition of NBTC’s Holiday Sentiment Monitor. This study in seven countries (the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, France, the United States and China) provides insight into holiday plans and the influence of current events on them. On average, 50% of all respondents indicated that they were forced to make adjustments to holiday behaviour due to rising prices. This is most true for the Chinese and French (60% and 57%), for the Dutch the least (38%). In particular, reducing the number of holidays and opting for cheaper accommodations are adjustments used. According to NBTC, 10% of Dutch people avoid the high season due to rising prices. That’s more than last year. At the same time, 44% of all respondents say they have a similar budget for the next holiday as in previous years. On average, 31% even indicate that they have more budget available. Extreme weather conditions influence their choice of holiday for 46% of all respondents. As a result of extreme weather, holidaymakers mainly adjust the period in which they go on holiday. In addition, 1 in 5 Dutch people choose a different destination due to increasing extreme weather conditions. Meanwhile, Brits and Americans pay more attention to the terms and insurance when booking a holiday. When booking holidays, half (51%) of all those surveyed think it is important to consider sustainability. Sustainability has more influence on holiday choices than possible crowds at airports and conflicts around the world. It is striking that the Dutch take sustainability into account the least. The Chinese are the most likely to take sustainability into account, through their choice of, for example, accommodation, means of transport or destination. The results show that the month of May is a popular holiday month among the Dutch. Affordability and weather conditions also play a role for a large group of Dutch people in their holiday choices. Jos Vranken, managing director of NBTC, speaks of an interesting development. ‘There seems to be an increasing need for holiday staggering. This can provide more choice and lower prices for consumers. Diversification is also interesting for entrepreneurs; It can lead to more visitors outside the high season.’ (Photo Shutterstock).
