The numbers of visitors to Dutch museums rose by 8.7% to 31.7 million in 2016, of whom around three in 10 came from abroad, the museum association said on Thursday.

In its annual report, the association – which represents 420 museums throughout the Netherlands – said that the sector was faring fairly well despite declining government subsidies.

The museums posted combined losses of €23m in 2016 largely due to the drop off in subsidies. The government contribution per visit nosedived by 40% between 2011 and 2016, the association said.

However museum incomes from tickets and gift shops now account for 50% of total revenues and increased by a total of €34m in 2016.

The employment rate has also gone up slightly, the association said, as more people are given permanent contracts. In total, 38,000 people work in Dutch museums, of whom 26,000 are volunteers.