DutchNews.nl - DutchNews.nl brings daily news from The Netherlands in English

6 July 2025
Newsletter Donate Advertise
  • News
  • Life in the Netherlands
  • Jobs
  • Podcast
  • About us
  • Search
  • Home
  • Economy
  • Politics
  • Art and culture
  • Sport
  • Europe
  • Society
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Housing
  • Education
  • News
    • Home
    • Economy
    • Politics
    • Art and culture
    • Sport
    • Europe
    • Society
    • Environment
    • Health
    • Housing
    • Education
  • Life in the Netherlands
    • Latest
    • Opinion
    • Books
    • Travel
    • 10 Questions
    • Learning Dutch
    • Inburgering with DN
    • Food & Drink
    • Ask us anything
  • Jobs
  • Podcast
  • About us
    • Team
    • Donate
    • Advertise
    • Writing for Dutch News
    • Contact us
    • Privacy
    • Newsletter
  • Search

Foreign tourist numbers fell 65% last year, as Covid-19 disrupted foreign travel

January 25, 2021
Tourists in the village on Winsum last summer. Photo: DutchNews.nl
Tourists in the village of Winsum last summer. Photo: DutchNews.nl

The number of tourists coming to the Netherlands last year fell by 65% as coronavirus-related travel restrictions squeezed out foreign holidays.

In total, seven million foreign visitors came to the Netherlands in 2020, the national tourist board NBTC said on Monday.

Domestic visitor numbers were also down, despite the apparent surge in staycations. In total, Dutch hotels, campsites and holiday home companies reported a 25% downturn in visitors from home.

NBTC research suggests that seven in 10 people in the Netherlands and the key Dutch markets including Belgium, Germany, France and Britain, plan to go on holiday this year.

However, just 20% have actually booked a holiday so far, NBTC director Jos Vranken said. ‘People do have an enormous need to go on holiday… but are very reticent to actually book holidays in advance, and that is worrying for the sector.’

The research shows only two in five Dutch people think a holiday abroad will be possible in 2021.

Vranken expects a 30% rise on 2020’s foreign visitor total this year, if foreign travel is allowed.

Share this article
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • Copy URL
Economy
Thank you for donating to DutchNews.nl.

We could not provide the Dutch News service, and keep it free of charge, without the generous support of our readers. Your donations allow us to report on issues you tell us matter, and provide you with a summary of the most important Dutch news each day.

Make a donation
Latest
Show more
Netherlands 3-0 Wales: Miedema ton up as Oranje overpower Wales
Cricket: Edwards leads the way as Dutch secure win over Jersey
Council scraps home for 14 girl refugees after violent protests
Podcast: The Eternal Sunshine of the Forever Chemicals Edition
Mixed weather ahead as summer warmth takes a break
NewsHomeEconomyPoliticsArt and cultureSportEuropeSocietyEnvironmentHealthHousingEducation
Life in the NetherlandsLatestOpinionBooksTravel10 QuestionsLearning DutchInburgering with DNFood & DrinkAsk us anything
About usTeamDonateAdvertiseWriting for Dutch NewsContact usPrivacyNewsletter
© 2025 DutchNews | Cookie settings

Help us to keep providing you information about coronavirus in the Netherlands.

Many thanks to everyone who has donated to DutchNews.nl in recent days!

We could not provide this service without you. If you have not yet made a contribution, you can do so here.

The DutchNews.nl team

Donate now

Dutchnews Survey

Please help us making DutchNews.nl a better read by taking part in a short survey.

Take part now