Zandvoort fears VAT increase on overnight stays and calls for: 'Turn back'

The letter was written by Alderman Lars Carree because VAT on accommodation will increase from 9 to 21 percent starting January 1st. "Reverse this VAT increase. Because when you say tourism, you say Zandvoort," is the message from the Alderman for Tourism.

"House of Representatives elections will take place in October 2025. That's why I'm now approaching the (chairmen of) political parties that are (going to) campaign," the Zandvoort alderman continued. According to him, "tourism businesses in municipalities like Zandvoort" are being hit "exceptionally hard."

Residents pay the price

Carree also writes that many Zandvoort residents work in the tourism sector and that the level of amenities in the municipality is maintained precisely thanks to that sector. "But that is now under pressure due to the VAT increase. Not because of a crisis or a storm, but because of a political decision by the government. They counted themselves rich, while entrepreneurs and residents are paying the price."

According to Carree, Zandvoort is considered vulnerable because it faces "daily" competition from German and Belgian coastal towns, where VAT rates are "significantly" lower. "If an overnight stay here suddenly becomes tens of euros more expensive per night, foreign tourists will be more likely to choose alternatives across the border."

Business owners in Zandvoort are already noticing pressure on visitor spending, Carree continues. "They're seeing guests staying fewer nights due to higher gas and electricity bills, increased staff costs, and rising purchasing costs."

Local damage

In his letter, he uses various figures and amounts to bolster his position. "For every euro of additional VAT collected, almost 2 euros of economic value is lost," is one of the claims.

The alderman also believes the government is overestimating VAT revenue. "The policy is generic, but the damage is local. And that damage is unnecessary."

Even in the summer months, the weather isn't always good in Zandvoort. Last week, the streets were flooded: