Vacation in danger: increasing VAT threatens to travel to the Netherlands!

Vacation in danger: increasing VAT threatens to travel to the Netherlands!

Niederlande - The Dutch holiday destinations are very popular with German travelers, especially from North Rhine-Westphalia. Nevertheless, an upcoming law could have a negative impact on travel expenses. From January 1, 2026, a significant increase in VAT is planned from 9 % to 21 %, which means an increase of 12 %. This could further heat up the already increasing vacation costs after the current VAT rate in Germany is 7 %, which is a remarkable difference when it comes to price comparisons. This planned change in the law has triggered broad concerns, especially among operators of accommodation and leisure activities in the Netherlands.

rien Mol, operator of the Het Rhine country, considers the upcoming price increases to be worrying and fear that many vacationers could be deterred from it. Jeroen van den Berg, park manager of Center Parcs Sandur, also describes the situation as uncomfortable for the German guests. The industry is therefore in a close exchange with the Dutch government to discuss the possible increase in VAT, especially in view of the effects on tourism.

episodes for the tourism sector

The additional income through the tax increase should contribute to the discharge of around 2.2 billion euros to relieve the state budget. But the planned increase is not only controversial in the tourism sector, but also in other areas such as sports and cultural events as well as in bookstores. Representatives of these industries are dissatisfied with the measure and demand that the government retain its plans. Critics argue that the high prices that could result from the increase in VAT are in contradiction to the political goals, such as improving literacy and access to sport.

The opposition has spoken out against the planned VAT increase. In this context, it could be difficult for the government to secure the necessary voices in the upper house of the parliament because it has no absolute majority. The current exchange about the draft budget and the associated changes in the law is regarded as a decisive time for the stabilization of the household.

public reactions

The upcoming price increases could have negative effects on consumers who regularly use services in these sectors. The concerns about increasing VAT are great because it is assumed that short -term financial advantages may lead to long -term social losses. If the plans are implemented, affected companies may have to adapt their business models and pass on higher prices to their customers.

With all this information in mind, the upcoming change in Dutch tax policy will not only change vacation costs, but could also influence the entire travel experience of German tourists in the Netherlands. Vacationers are excited to see how the political discussion will develop and how this could affect their future vacation plans.

For more information, read the articles at The west and nalog .