paroolSep 14, 2026, 01:00

Hospitality leader Pim Evers: ‘Amsterdam is driving away the visitors who spend the most and cause the least nuisance’

Amsterdam hospitality leader Pim Evers warns that current municipal policies are damaging business confidence and alienating high-spending corporate travelers. He argues that the industry is unfairly treated as both a tax source and a scapegoat, which is causing visitors who contribute positively to the city to stay away.

Economy Business Culture

Read original ↗

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

Not selling out is not a death blow for festival: 'But be careful not to price yourself out of the market'

Festival organizations in the Netherlands faced a challenging summer marked by extreme weather, rising operational costs, and fluctuating ticket sales. Despite these significant hurdles, industry professionals remain optimistic due to the sector's inherent creativity and ability to adapt to difficult circumstances.

From near extinction to a thriving fishery: how Portugal’s sardine population was saved

After facing near-extinction due to overfishing, Portugal's sardine population is recovering thanks to a successful management plan. This restoration has revitalized the local fishing industry while ensuring the fish remains a sustainable and healthy staple of the Portuguese diet.

Not just IDFA: Amsterdam’s wider cultural sector hit by rising hotel costs as tourist tax hike drives away key visitors

Amsterdam's cultural sector, including major events like IDFA, ADE, and the Holland Festival, is struggling due to rising tourist taxes and hotel VAT. These increased costs are forcing organizers to raise ticket prices and reduce programming, threatening the accessibility and quality of the city's cultural offerings.

Harry Styles concerts in Arena caused inflation in the Netherlands to rise

Economists from De Nederlandsche Bank have linked a series of ten concerts by Harry Styles in Amsterdam to a rise in Dutch inflation during May. The high demand from international fans led to a significant surge in hotel and ticket prices, marking an unusual impact on the national economy.

Limburg province invests thousands in campaign for 'authentic' Limburg vlaai

The Dutch province of Limburg is spending 200,000 euros on a campaign to promote the authenticity of Limburg vlaai following its 2024 European protected status. The project, led by local bakers, aims to educate consumers on the strict requirements for the traditional pastry, which must be fresh and never frozen.