Vacation in Holland: Threatening tax increase shocks NRW tourists!

Vacation in Holland: Threatening tax increase shocks NRW tourists!

The Netherlands is facing a significant change that will particularly affect German tourists from North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). From January 1, 2026, the Dutch government plans to increase the VAT on hotel stays from the current 9 percent to 21 percent. This means an increase of 12 percent, which could have serious financial consequences for both the hotel industry and holidaymakers. This measure could mean that many Germans who traditionally travel to the Netherlands may change their plans, like derwesten.de reported.

The discussion about this increase already took place in 2024, and not only the hotel industry was included in the considerations. Jeroen van den Berg, park manager at Center Parcs Sandur, says that the resulting increased costs are extremely inconvenient for German guests. “I fear that the higher prices could deter holidaymakers,” says Rien Mol, operator of the Het Rheins estate.

Consequences for the hotel industry

Fears within the hotel industry are great. According to estimates, hotel accommodation prices could rise by up to 11 percent, which would represent a significant additional burden for many families and business travelers. Some hotels may even be forced to introduce an additional tax of 75 euros per night. In addition to the increased prices, this change in the law could also have a negative impact on service standards in hotels, as many establishments are still struggling with the financial consequences of the Corona pandemic.

It is worth noting that around 40 percent of guests in the Netherlands are business travelers who have the option to reclaim VAT, which often does not pose the same problem for them as it does for holiday guests. Nevertheless, there are serious concerns that the competitiveness of Dutch hotels will be affected, which could lead to tourists from NRW looking for alternatives in Belgium or Germany.

Campgrounds and alternative vacation spots

However, the planned tax increase does not affect all holiday options in the Netherlands. Campsites will remain unaffected by the sales tax increase, making them a more affordable option for many travelers. This uncertainty and potentially higher costs could lead to holidaymakers increasingly looking for other destinations, while industry representatives continue to engage with the Dutch government on possible solutions and adjustments.

The impact of these regulatory changes is eagerly awaited as they could significantly impact the travel behavior of German holidaymakers in the near future. The worrying signs and exchanges between industry and government show that the situation could prove challenging for both providers and customers. The entire topic illustrates how much such political decisions can shape travel behavior and the attractiveness of holiday destinations.