adNov 8, 2026, 11:00

A day on the slopes in Austria: 254 euros per day for Dutch visitors

Dutch tourists are spending a record 254 euros per day on their Austrian ski holidays, totaling an expected 1.7 billion euros in seasonal expenditures. Despite significant price hikes, over 1.3 million Dutch visitors are expected to travel to Austria, with many opting for shorter stays or last-minute bookings to manage costs.

Dutch winter sports enthusiasts are heading to Austria in record numbers this season, with projections indicating 7 million overnight stays and a total expenditure of 1.7 billion euros. Despite the popularity of the destination, the average cost per person has risen to 254 euros per day, an increase of 15 euros compared to last year. This daily budget encompasses travel, accommodation, lift passes, and après-ski activities. Due to rising costs, many travelers are opting for shorter trips or prioritizing budget-friendly apartments over luxury lodging.

The trend of rising prices is leading more tourists to book their trips closer to the departure date to ensure favorable snow conditions before committing. Touroperator Summit Travel reported that ski holiday costs have surged by 33 percent over the last four years, largely driven by significant increases in hotel and pension rates. Experts recommend booking lift passes online in advance to avoid steep ticket counter prices, which can be significantly higher, especially during peak periods like the Christmas week.

Economy Business Lifestyle Netherlands

Read original ↗

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

Judge blocks higher municipal tax for canal cruise passengers

A court has ruled that the city of Amsterdam cannot increase the passenger tax for canal cruise boats to 2.50 euros, reinstating the former rate of 1.50 euros. The judge found that the proposed hike was unlawful because the city failed to justify the fee with direct benefits to the cruise operators and attempted to fund unrelated public programs.

More cultural funding to the regions? Halsema warns: "The labor market is in Amsterdam"

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema has warned the Dutch government against diverting cultural subsidies away from the capital, citing the risk of damaging the city's significant creative labor market. She also defended the autonomy of the arts sector, emphasizing that cultural institutions must remain free from political pressure and secure for all visitors.

Ron Blaauw closes Michelin-starred restaurant in Amsterdam-Zuid: 'Times have changed'

Chef Ron Blaauw is closing his Michelin-starred Ron Gastrobar in Amsterdam-Zuid after fourteen years to pursue a new, more flexible dining concept. The restaurant will cease operations in February, with a new project to be announced in December, while his other business locations across the Netherlands will remain open.

KLM unable to plug losses, cuts 5,000 jobs

KLM is planning to eliminate 5,000 jobs, or 15 percent of its workforce, as part of a major cost-cutting effort to achieve 1 billion euros in annual savings. The airline faces persistent financial challenges and is restructuring its European operations, including outsourcing ground handling and expanding its low-cost subsidiary, KLM Cityhopper.

The fourth generation of the family now works at Febo: they also don't want frozen food or a reality show

The fourth generation of the founding family has joined the Dutch snack chain Febo, emphasizing their commitment to serving fresh rather than frozen products. Siblings Steff and Femke de Borst are carrying on the legacy started by their great-grandfather in 1941.