Netherlands Tourism Statistics

Page last updated: 21 November 2024

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.

Overview

How many tourists visit the Netherlands each year?

Over 17.3 million international and domestic tourists visited the Netherlands in 2023.¹

In 2019, the Netherlands welcomed 11.3 million international visitors, marking the highest recorded visitors in history.

When the pandemic began, this number dropped by 71% to 3.3 million visitors in 2020.

By 2021, this figure decreased by a further 15%, with 2.8 million visitors.

Inbound tourism then began to rise with 8.6 million visitors in 2022 and 10.9 million visitors in 2023, but still 3% less than 2019 figures (pre-pandemic).

How many people visited the Netherlands in 2024?

From January to August 2024, 14.79 million people stayed in hotels across the Netherlands. Note: This data is preliminary and may be subject to change.

2024 Tourists in the Netherlands
Months	Total Arrivals (in millions)
Jan	1.12
Feb	1.14
Mar	1.62
Apr	2.01
May	2.12
Jun	1.92
Jul	2.42
Aug	2.44

How many people visited the Netherlands in 2023?

In 2023, the Netherlands welcomed 17.3 million visitors, with 10.9 million being international tourists and 6.4 million domestic travellers. This represented a 3% increase compared to 2019 figures (pre-pandemic).

How much do tourists spend in the Netherlands every year?

Domestic and international visitors spent a combined €99 billion during trips to the Netherlands in 2023.

Total tourist expenditure in the Netherlands generated €9.81 billion in 2019.
This number decreased to €53.25 billion in 2020 due to coronavirus travel restrictions and fewer international visitors. Tourism expenditures then increased by 11% in 2021 to €59.29 million.

Tourism revenue increased to €95.84 billion in 2022 and €99 billion in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic tourist expenditure figures.

How much does the Netherlands earn from tourism?

According to Statistics Netherlands, total tourism revenue amounted to €95.8 billion in 2022, with €34.4 billion spent by international tourists and €57.6 billion spent by domestic tourists. In 2023, this figure increased to €99 billion.

Which country visits the Netherlands the most?

The leading sources of foreign tourists to the Netherlands in 2023 were Germany, followed by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, and Belgium.

In 2023, Germany was the top source of international visitors to the Netherlands, accounting for 1.7 million visits with 10% of the overall market share.

The United Kingdom also contributed approximately 8.9%, with 1.5 million tourists.

The USA accounted for 1.3 million international visits with a market share of 8%.

The Netherlands Tourism Statistics – Economic Impact

Tourist Spending: Tourist spending in the Netherlands reached nearly €96 billion in 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, with a significant increase driven by domestic tourism.²
Foreign Tourists’ Contribution: Foreign tourists spent €34.5 billion in 2022, making up about one-third of total tourism expenditure, with a 90% increase compared to 2021.
The sector also boosted employment, with nearly 1.3 million jobs created in 2022, a 13.6% increase compared to 2021.

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 2023, driven by monthly international visitors, were May, August, April, July and June.

May was the most popular month for tourism, with 978,000 visitors drawn to the Netherlands primarily for the breathtaking tulip season, highlighted by the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens.

August welcomed 975,000 visitors, largely due to the peak of the summer holiday season. Tourists are often attracted by warm weather, festivals, and cultural events across the country.

With 965,000 visitors, April was another peak month in 2023, coinciding with the start of the tulip season and the national celebration of King’s Day at the end of April draw large crowds.

July attracted 953,000 visitors, benefiting from the summer vacation period. The warm weather and extended daylight hours make it perfect for exploring Dutch cities.

In June 2023, 942,000 visitors flocked to the Netherlands as the summer season began. The pleasant weather and variety of cultural events provide an ideal backdrop for tourists.

How popular is the Netherlands as a tourist destination?

According to UNWTO, The Netherlands recorded 20.3 million tourist arrivals, ranking 14th globally in absolute terms with $20.2 billion receipts in 2023.³

The Netherlands currently ranks 9th as the Large Best-Performing Destination in 2024.

Netherlands Travel Resources

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

2023 marked the Netherlands’ recovery year with tourism figures surpassing the trend of both domestic and international tourists in the pre-pandemic years.

Pre-Pandemic Period (2012-2019): The Netherlands experienced steady growth in both international and domestic visitors, peaking in 2019 with 16.8 million visitors.

Pandemic Impact (2020-2021): The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted tourism, causing a 60% drop in visitor numbers in both segments.

Despite the pandemic, domestic tourism showed more resilience compared to international tourism.

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.