The higher VAT on overnight stays is putting pressure on the holiday budgets of many Dutch people. Research by Summio Parcs among nearly 2.800 Dutch people shows that four out of ten expect to take shorter holidays or cut back on luxury and extras. At the same time, the Netherlands remains an attractive holiday destination due to the extreme heat and wildfires in Southern Europe.
Since January 1, 2026, the VAT on overnight stays has been increased from 9 to 21 percent. As a result, 40 percent of respondents expect to take shorter holidays or cut back on luxury and extras. Additionally, 9 percent think they will opt more often for border countries such as Germany or Belgium, where overnight stays are relatively inexpensive. For 6 percent of respondents, a holiday in their own country has, by their own account, even become unaffordable.
If we look at the figures on tourist bookings by the Dutch in our neighboring countries, it is striking that these have made a clear jump.
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- Tourism Flanders records a 4,4% growth in overnight stays by the Dutch in the first four months of 2026 (compared to the same period in 2025).
- According to the German National Tourist Office (DZT), the number of registered overnight stays by guests from the Netherlands in Germany increased by 3,4% in the period from January to April 2026 compared to January–April 2025.
Comfort, safety, and price determine the choice of holiday
At the same time, the research shows that price is not the only factor influencing holiday choices. The extreme heat and recurring wildfires in Southern Europe ensure that the Netherlands remains an attractive alternative for many holidaymakers. Previous research by Summio Parcs already showed that nearly six out of ten Dutch people allow their holiday choices to be influenced by rising temperatures in Southern Europe. For many holidaymakers today, not only guaranteed sunshine but also comfort, safety, and affordability weigh in when choosing a destination.
“Holidaymakers nowadays make multiple trade-offs at once,” says Guy Benink, Director of Summio Parcs. “The extreme heat in Southern Europe makes the Netherlands more attractive, while the higher VAT ensures that people look more critically at their holiday budget. We see that consumers compare prices, wait longer to book, and choose more consciously how they spend their holiday money.”
Increase in last-minute bookings
The changing booking behavior is also visible in Summio Parcs' current booking figures. Although the occupancy rate for July and August lagged behind last year earlier this summer, demand has picked up strongly in recent weeks. For instance, 82 percent more bookings were made in week 29 than in the same week last year. For stays in July, the number of bookings in the final week was even 129 percent higher than a year earlier.
Zeeland, in particular, is benefiting from the last-minute trend. There, the number of bookings for August rose by 144 percent, while total bookings in week 29 were even 151 percent higher than last year.
According to Benink, this shows that many Dutch people are planning their holidays differently than before. “Whereas people used to book months in advance, we now see that many holidaymakers wait until they have a clearer picture of the weather and their available holiday budget. This is creating a strong last-minute market.”
Different book habits
According to Summio Parcs, both the research results and the booking figures point to a clear change in the holiday behavior of the Dutch. Holidaymakers wait longer, compare prices, and increasingly make their decision only shortly before departure.
Benink therefore expects the occupancy rate to rise further in the coming weeks. “Many Dutch people still want to holiday in their own country. The combination of weather conditions in Southern Europe and the growing last-minute trend means that demand is concentrating increasingly later in the season.”
More information: www.dormiogroup.com/nl