VAT increase on accommodation: holidaying in your own country will become much more expensive

Getting away in your own country will cost you dearly if the new government has its way. The outline coalition agreement of the new coalition proposes increasing the VAT rate on accommodation. Specifically, from the low VAT rate of 9 percent to the much higher rate of 21 percent. This means that the prices of hotel rooms and holiday homes will rise by no less than 11 percent. 

Renting a holiday home

This planned VAT increase is scheduled for 2026. And you guessed it: the price increase is expected to be borne almost entirely by the guest. And holiday homes are hardly cheap as it is. Hotels will not make their rooms cheaper either. Aside from this VAT increase on accommodation, there are other additional costs that you as a tourist in the Netherlands need to take into account.

Higher tourist tax

Local price increases may be even higher because municipalities may, for example, raise the tourist tax. Amsterdam, for instance, introduced a higher tourist tax in 2024. The hotel sector therefore fears that Dutch hotels will price themselves out of the market, since VAT in neighboring countries is lower than it is here.

Heading to the beach

So what now? Day trips and sleeping in your own bed instead? For the ultimate holiday feeling, we have put together a list of the best beach bars throughout the Netherlands and the best Spanish restaurants in the Netherlands. And if you head north, a warning: watch out for these pancakes.

Also read: 

• Dutch people do not want to pay for tap water on the terrace
• Jord Althuizen’s barbecue do’s and don’ts
• 5 things not to do when traveling to Italy

Source: ING Research