The report "Climate Adaptation in the Dutch Hospitality Sector" shows that many entrepreneurs are aware of the impact of climate change, but that there is still much to be gained by taking concrete measures. Collaboration with government agencies is essential. The report, compiled by CELTH, offers five practical tools.
Entrepreneurs want to, but lack clear frameworks
Many businesses are currently primarily responding to extreme weather conditions they experience themselves. This is a good first step, but insufficient to prepare for future, potentially more severe situations. The report emphasizes that businesses need clear information, actionable policies, practical support, and collaboration. Governments, industry organizations, knowledge institutions, and businesses themselves play a key role in this. Five actions bring this action perspective to life.
Five actions for a future-proof tourism sector
The report identifies five critical actions to accelerate climate adaptation in the hospitality sector:
- Preparing for climate change – Look beyond your own company and collaborate on regional solutions such as water drainage, greening, and energy supply.
- Make the impact concrete – Translate climate scenarios and stress tests into understandable, local insights and financial risks.
- Make policy feasible – Develop regulations with the sector and test their practical feasibility.
- Proactively approach entrepreneurs – Actively bring knowledge and regulations to entrepreneurs through networking and inspiring examples.
- Encourage collaboration – Organize meetings and joint projects to accelerate knowledge sharing and action.
Collaboration in research
The report was prepared in collaboration with partners NBTC, NHL Stenden, Breda University of Applied Sciences, the University of Groningen, and Wageningen University & Research, commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. It is part of the Centre of Expertise in Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality (CELTH).
Climate change is proving to be a major impact on many businesses, and there's a need for all kinds of support in deciding on and implementing measures. Respondents believe the government should play a role in this, a role it's currently failing to fulfill.
Eke Eijgelaar (BUas and CELTH)
Focusing on adaptation shouldn't come at the expense of mitigation. The point is that if we forget about mitigation, the consequences of climate change will become so severe that adaptation would be nearly impossible or far too expensive, even for a wealthy country like the Netherlands. Moreover, it's important to remember that climate change doesn't respect borders.
Researcher Elena Cavagnaro (NHL Stenden)
Destinations are home to a wealth of local experiences and ideas. Capturing and sharing these can inspire others, help improve policy, and thus scale up and accelerate climate adaptation. As knowledge institutions, we are uniquely equipped to do this responsibly.
Researcher Tim Huiskes (BACK)
How are entrepreneurs involved in the research?
We asked this question to CELTH Director Anke Arts, who indicated that this target group also played a significant role in the direction of the research:
The research took place in two phases. Last year, an exploratory study was conducted, based on which scenarios were established.” see download-bestendige-bestemmingen-nl.
Based on this, a broadly oriented, semi-structured interview format was developed, with ample opportunity for discussion and additional input. (More than) 30 entrepreneurs were interviewed for this purpose, in various regions of the Netherlands. This part of the research is now complete. In 2026, we will explore how we can make this even more practical with and for entrepreneurs and municipalities.
See also the NBTC report on this: https://www.nbtc.nl/nl/site/themas/verduurzaming/samen-toekomstbestendig-klimaatadaptatie-in-de-gastvrijheidssector
Explanation by Anke Arts
Partners and project team
- Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions
- Wageningen University & Research
- NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
- Breda University of Applied Sciences
- University of Groningen
Project team
Anke Arts (NHL Stenden / ETFI), Bas Amelung (WUR), Juan Carlos Blaauw (BUas), Elena Cavagnaro (NHL Stenden), Eke Eijgelaar (Buas/CSTT), Nathalie Frissen (NBTC), Marie Hartmann (NHL Stenden), Tim Huiskens (RUG), Albert Postma (NHL Stenden / ETFI) and Ewout Versloot (NBTC)
More information: Climate adaptation in the Dutch hospitality sector | CELTH