Page last updated: 17 October 2025
The Netherlands is well-known for its iconic windmills, tulip fields, and vibrant cities offering rich cultural experiences, picturesque landscapes, and a blend of historical charm and modern innovation.
How many tourists visit the Netherlands each year?
Over 51.29 million international and domestic tourists visited the Netherlands in 2024.1
- In 2019, the Netherlands welcomed 20.13 million international visitors, marking the highest number of recorded visitors in history.
- When the pandemic began, this number dropped by 64% to 7.27 million visitors in 2020.
- By 2021, this figure decreased by a further 14%, with 6.25 million visitors.
- Inbound tourism then began to rise with 16.58 million visitors in 2022 and 20.3 million visitors in 2023, roughly 1% more than 2019 figures (pre-pandemic).
- In 2024, total international visitor numbers reached 21.28 million, a 4.8% increase over 2023 and 28.3% higher than 2022.
How many people visited the Netherlands in 2025?
- From January to July 2025, 13.03 million people stayed in hotels across the Netherlands. Note: This data is preliminary and may be subject to change.
| 2025 Tourists in the Netherlands | |
| Months | Total Arrivals (in millions) |
| Jan | 1.16 |
| Feb | 1.11 |
| Mar | 1.55 |
| Apr | 2.42 |
| May | 1.96 |
| Jun | 2.37 |
| Jul | 2.46 |
How many people visited the Netherlands in 2024?
The Netherlands welcomed 51.29 million visitors in 2024, with 21.28 million being international tourists and 30.01 million domestic travelers. This represented a 11.7% increase compared to 2019 figures (pre-pandemic).
How much do tourists spend in the Netherlands every year?
Domestic and international visitors spent a combined €111.2 billion during trips to the Netherlands in 2024.
- Total tourist expenditure in the Netherlands generated €89.2 billion in 2019.
- This number decreased to €53.4 billion in 2020 due to coronavirus travel restrictions and fewer international visitors. Tourism expenditures then increased by 11 % in 2021 to €59.4 billion.
- Tourism revenue increased to €92.1 billion in 2022 and €104.9 billion in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic tourist expenditure figures.
- In 2024, tourism expenditure reached €111.2 billion, a 6 % increase over 2023 and 21 % higher than 2022.
How much did tourists spend in the Netherlands in 2024?
- Tourists spent €111.2 billion in the Netherlands in 2024, a 6 % increase over 2023 and 21 % higher than 2022.
- International visitors spent €38.2 billion, while domestic visitors spent €67.3 billion.
Which country visits the Netherlands the most?
The leading sources of foreign tourists to the Netherlands in 2024 were Germany, followed by Belgium, America, the United Kingdom and France.
- In 2024, Germany was the top source of international visitors to the Netherlands, accounting for 7.54 million visits with 35.5% of the overall market share.
- Belgium also contributed approximately 12.5%, with 2.66 million tourists.
- America accounted for 2.22 million international visits with a market share of 10.4%.
The Netherlands Tourism Statistics – Economic Impact
- Tourist Spending: Tourist spending in the Netherlands reached nearly €111.2 billion in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, with a significant increase driven by domestic tourism.2
- Foreign Tourists’ Contribution: Foreign tourists spent €38.2 billion in 2022, making up about one-third of total tourism expenditure, with a 10.7% increase compared to 2023.
- The sector also boosted employment, with nearly 771,000 jobs created in 2024, a 6.7% increase compared to 2023.
When is the best time to visit the Netherlands?
- For those who want vibrant flowers and mild weather, spring is often considered the best time to visit. If travellers prefer lively summer events and warm weather, then visiting during summer is ideal. Conversely, for a quieter experience with festive winter charm, consider the off season. Each season has its unique offerings, making the Netherlands a year-round destination.
When are the peak tourist months in the Netherlands?
The peak tourist months in 2024, driven by monthly international visitors, were August, July, May, April and October.
- In August, the Netherlands had its highest number of visitors, with 2.45 million people drawn to the peak summer holiday season, highlighted by major festivals and cultural events.
- July followed closely with 2.44 million visitors, sustaining the momentum of warm weather and school-holiday travel.
- In May, 2.14 million visitors explored the country, enjoying longer daylight hours and numerous spring cultural events.
- April and October were other busy months, each attracting 2 million visitors.
How popular is the Netherlands as a tourist destination?
- According to UNWTO, The Netherlands recorded 21.28 million tourist arrivals in 2024, ranking 14th globally.
- The Netherlands currently ranks 9th as the Large Best-Performing Destination in 2024
Netherlands Travel Resources
- Car hire prices in Netherlands
- Car hire prices in Amsterdam
- Car hire prices in Eindhoven
- Car hire prices in Rotterdam
- Car hire prices in The Hague
Why do people visit the Netherlands?
Tourists visit the Netherlands for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and welcoming atmosphere.
- Art and history lovers enjoy world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, while historic cities and well-preserved architecture showcase the country’s heritage.
- Iconic attractions include Amsterdam’s canals, tulip fields, windmills, and charming villages like Giethoorn.
- The biking culture offers a sustainable way to explore both urban and rural areas.
- Visitors also love the Dutch coastline, local delicacies like Gouda cheese and stroopwafels, and the friendly locals who make navigating the country a breeze.
The Netherlands Tourism Statistics – International & Domestic Tourism
The Netherlands welcomed 21.28 million international visitors in 2024, while domestic visitors accounted for 30.01 million.
- Pre-Pandemic Period (2012-2019): The Netherlands experienced steady growth in both international and domestic visitors. Both international and domestic segments peaked in 2019 with 20.13 million and 25.79 million visitors, respectively.
- Pandemic Impact (2020-2021): The COVID-19 pandemic caused international visitation to drop to 7.27 million in 2020 and 6.25 million in 2021. In comparison domestic visitors dropped slightly to 20.04 million in 2020 and 25.47 million in 2021.
- Recovery Phase (2022-2024): International visitor volume kept recovering since 2022 and reached 21.28 million 2024, while domestic visitors reached 30.01 million in that year.
Places to Visit in the Netherlands
The following are the most popular tourist attractions and destinations in the Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Canals: Amsterdam’s 17th-century canals form a historic network of over 100km, with 1,500 bridges and 1,550 landmark buildings.
- Leiden: Known for its historic university and as Rembrandt’s birthplace, Leiden’s Old Rhine canals weave through one of the largest 17th-century town centres in the Netherlands.
- West Frisian Islands: These North Sea islands, accessible by cycling and mudflat walks, separate the North Sea from the Wadden Sea and offer unique natural experiences.
- Delft City Hall: Delft’s Renaissance-style City Hall, designed by Hendrick de Keyser, stands restored on Markt Square, opposite the Nieuwe Kerk.
- Keukenhof Gardens: The world’s largest flower garden, Keukenhof, blooms with millions of tulips and other flowers each spring, attracting global visitors.
Netherlands Travel Statistics Resources
Europe Travel Statistics Resources
- Austria Statistics
- Belgium Statistics
- Croatia Statistics
- Denmark Statistics
- France Statistics (incl. Paris, Disneyland Paris, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame)
- Georgia Statistics
- Germany Statistics (incl. Berlin)
- Greece Statistics (incl. Parthenon)
- Iceland Statistics
- Italy Statistics (incl. Florence, Milan, Rome, Venice)
- Netherlands Statistics (incl. Amsterdam)
- Norway Statistics
- Portugal Statistics (incl. Lisbon)
- Spain Statistics (incl. Barcelona, Madrid, Mallorca)
- Sweden Statistics
- Switzerland Statistics
- UK Statistics (incl. Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Oxford, Scotland)
