Vacation in Holland will be more expensive in 2026: Tax increase ensures worries!

Vacation in Holland will be more expensive in 2026: Tax increase ensures worries!

Niederlande - From January 1, 2026, vacation in the Netherlands will be more expensive. The Dutch government plans to increase the reduced VAT rate for overnight stays from 9 % to 21 %. This affects hotels, holiday homes, Bed & Breakfasts and furnished standcaravans, while classic tents are spared from the increase, as dachist.org reports.

industry representatives warn of the possible negative effects, including emigration from guests abroad or to un -regulated alternatives such as Airbnb. These concerns also have a critical background: All-inclusive holidays in the Mediterranean could be a cheaper option for many travelers, which endangers the competitiveness of the Dutch tourism industry.

reactions in the industry

A study by Accor Hotels shows that 70 % of those surveyed are sensitive to price increases. Over half would rethink their stay in the Netherlands. The possible consequences of the tax increase are serious: shorter vacations, fewer bookings and a emigration to cheaper offers, the industry could heavily burden the industry. The trend towards "glamping" is hindered by the tax reform, since the corresponding offers are subject to the full tax rate.

The Recron industry association expresses concerns about the competitive disadvantages compared to Germany, which raises a VAT rate of 7 %, and Belgium, which raises 6 %. The Niger -country government expects around 1.2 billion euros in additional income from the tax increase annually, but several studies question these estimates and see the negative signal effect of the measure.

loads for gastronomy

The economic situation in Germany, especially in summer 2024, is tense, especially for gastronomy. Recurring VAT rates of 19 percent burden the companies in Lower Saxony. While the number of overnight stays has now risen to the level in front of Corona pandemic, the mood in the industry remains negative. IHK-Nord chairman Bernhard Brons reports on high costs, uncertain framework conditions and a lack of personnel capacities.

A survey shows that 77 % of the hospitality businesses assess their business situation as good or satisfactory. Nevertheless, over 70 % of companies complain about high prices for energy, food and raw materials. Two thirds of the food -shaped companies report earnings declines, and 87 % have increased their prices. This could lead to 5.7 % of the entrepreneurs consider an operating task, such as Rundblick-niedersachsen.de

The challenges are not only due to the increase in VAT. DEHOGA President Guido Zöllick warns of the difficult economic situation for the companies and calls for a return to the reduced VAT rate for dishes. A uniform taxation of food with 7 percent is considered necessary to give the companies a fair opportunity.

The combination of higher tax burdens and uncertain economic framework could influence the future of the tourism industry in the Netherlands and in Germany. The Dutch Parliament still has to adopt the tax increase law, but the concerns about competitiveness and negative signals for the industry remain.