At the campsite in Ootmarsum, rental houses are empty. 'Tourists think that due to the VAT increase, the Netherlands has become very expensive'

The increase in VAT on rental accommodations in the Netherlands has led to a decline in bookings, particularly from German tourists. Campground owner Laurens Heerdink reports that many rental units remain empty, with fewer reservations compared to previous years. The higher prices have deterred tourists, who now consider alternatives in neighboring countries. Although Heerdink has raised prices only slightly, the overall impact on revenue is significant, affecting local businesses as well. He anticipates a continued decrease in demand for rental accommodations in the coming years, attributing this to perceptions of increased costs in the Netherlands.