rssSep 8, 2026, 13:21

ABN Amro: high tourist tax will further reduce number of business overnight stays

Business overnight stays in Amsterdam have dropped by 38 percent since 2019, with experts warning that further increases in tourist taxes will continue to harm the sector. High tax rates are driving up costs, making the city less attractive for international congresses and high-spending business travelers compared to other European hubs.

Business overnight stays in Amsterdam have declined by 38 percent since 2019, a trend significantly sharper than the 20 percent decrease observed across the Netherlands. ABN Amro warns that rising tax burdens, including an increased VAT rate and a tourist tax set to reach 20 percent by 2031, are driving up prices and discouraging corporate events. Because business travelers spend twice as much as tourists, the city's tourism sector is losing valuable revenue and global competitiveness, particularly against cities like London and Madrid that do not impose similar levies on business stays.

While tourism numbers remain high, the influx of budget-conscious day-trippers has not offset the loss in high-spending business travelers. Researchers suggest that exempting business travelers from tourist taxes could help, but also urge local hotels to improve operational efficiency. By reducing reliance on external booking platforms and managing fixed costs more strictly, hotels could better navigate the challenging economic climate created by the city's current tax policies.

Economy Business Amsterdam Netherlands

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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