Every year, Germans prefer to take a vacation in the Netherlands, especially those living in North Rhine-Westphalia. The country is easily accessible, and its beautiful beaches regularly attract many tourists. However, a new change in the law could mean that many will soon have to look for a different vacation spot because prices are set to soar.
The Dutch government is currently planning to increase the value-added tax. The current 9 percent is expected to be raised to a whopping 21 percent. This increase will mainly affect rental prices for holiday homes and campsites, as reported by „come-on.de.“ Therefore, accommodation for a vacation in the Netherlands is expected to become significantly more expensive.
Rental property owners of holiday homes and campsites would have no choice but to drastically raise prices due to the increase in value-added tax. This could make it unaffordable for many families to vacation in the Netherlands.
In a conversation with NH, Peter Ross, the managing director of Vakantiepark De Nollen in Callantsoog and Duincamping De Lepelaar in Sint Maartenszee, stated, „I expect that bookings will significantly decrease.“ The increase in value-added tax to 21 percent will make vacations in the Netherlands much more expensive in the future.
According to „come-on.de,“ the tourism industry in the Netherlands is currently very concerned. If prices rise, families with lower incomes, in particular, will no longer be able to vacation in the Netherlands. They simply would not be able to afford the price hike.
Moreover, the increase in value-added tax would significantly increase competition. Currently, vacationing in the Netherlands is popular not just because of its proximity but also because it is relatively inexpensive. However, if vacations in the future cost as much as those in Greece or Italy, many tourists may opt for these alternatives instead.
It is not yet clear whether the value-added tax will actually be raised; it is merely a plan for 2026. However, this could have significant consequences for vacations in the Netherlands and lead to a sharp increase in prices. Many tourists may soon find it simply unaffordable to take their annual vacation.