Climate Adaptation in the Dutch Hospitality Sector

What does climate change mean for holidays close to home? Tourist destinations across the Netherlands are increasingly affected by drought, heatwaves, or heavy rainfall. This study explores how the sector is responding. What’s already working? What’s still needed? And who’s involved? The findings offer valuable insights for entrepreneurs, policymakers and researchers working towards climate-resilient tourism. One thing is clear: doing nothing is not an option.

What is the motivation for the project? 

There’s still limited understanding of how tourism and leisure in the Netherlands are addressing climate change. Existing knowledge is fragmented. That’s why CELTH and NBTC launched a study into how Dutch tourism is preparing for a changing climate. The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

This research maps current efforts across the country and contributes to scientific insights into tourism adaptation: what’s already being done and what support is needed to become more sustainable. The results are relevant to policymakers and business networks such as the National Council for Recreation and Tourism (LRRT) and Koninklijke Horeca Nederland (KHN), as well as international bodies like the OECD and UNWTO.

Who is the project team? 

The project team includes researchers from several universities and universities of applied sciences. From NHL Stenden, Anke Arts, Elena Cavagnaro, Marie Hartmann and Albert Postma were involved. Students also contributed to data collection and analysis.

Full list of contributors:

• Bas Amelung (Wageningen University & Research): research design
• Anke Arts (NHL Stenden, CELTH): project coordination
• Juan Blaauw (Breda University of Applied Sciences): data collection
• Elena Cavagnaro (RUG Campus Fryslân, NHL Stenden): design, interviews, analysis, reporting
• Eke Eijgelaar (Buas): design, interviews, analysis, reporting
• Nathalie Frissen (NBTC): interviews and data collection
• Marie Hartmann (NHL Stenden): interviews
• Tim Huiskes (RUG/CF): ethics, interviews, analysis, reporting
• Albert Postma (NHL Stenden): research design
• Ewout Versloot (NBTC): interviews

What is the project approach? 

The team combined literature reviews with interviews in parts of the Netherlands already experiencing climate impacts: coastal areas facing sea level rise, or regions affected by extreme rainfall. Case studies included Amsterdam, Limburg and the North of the country, in line with earlier research conducted in Zeeland.

Interviews were guided by three key questions: What is changing? How are people and businesses responding? And who is supporting them? Participants came from various sectors: hospitality, campsites, transport, attractions and local government.

The study used climate scenarios developed by the KNMI (Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute) as a framework. All literature and interview data were carefully analysed and cross-referenced.

What are the main (or preliminary) results?

Climate change impacts are already visible: too wet, too dry, too hot. Most participants expect this to worsen in the coming years.

Many businesses are already taking action. Over 400 adaptations were identified, from switching to sustainable energy to implementing heat plans. Still, these efforts often feel scattered and insufficient. There’s a clear need for more knowledge and collaboration.

Support often comes through networks, but there’s also a call for greater government involvement. A lack of specific expertise can make it hard to invest.

Participants also shared more than 30 challenges, just as many barriers, over 40 dilemmas and 50 involved organisations - far more than previously assumed. The sense of urgency is high - as is the willingness to take action.