Netherlands Market Profile
In 2008, we welcomed 162,000 Dutch visitors to our shores, representing revenue of €75/£51 million.
Advice from friends, relatives and colleagues was the most important source for those choosing to holiday in Ireland. This was followed by the Internet and guide books, both of which were extensively used by people planning their holidays. Travel agents were also used to plan holidays. Package holidays to Ireland are falling out of favour with Dutch holidaymakers, with more people choosing to organise their own holiday. Hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs are the most popular forms of accommodation for Dutch visitors to Ireland.
Dutch holidaymakers who are travelling to the island of Ireland tend to be well educated professionals. They span all age groups, but most are under 44 years of age. They are predominantly from the west of the country, which includes the main cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. Dutch holidaymakers are primarily interested in experiencing the culture and history of Ireland. They also have a keen interest in hill walking and hiking and are more likely than many other nationalities to engage in sporting activities during their stay.
Air travel remains by far the most common mode of transport to Ireland and this has increased steadily in recent years. However, many people travel by sea, generally via Britain, although some choose to take the ferry from mainland Europe. Fewer Dutch visitors are bringing their car with them when they travel to Ireland and the number of people hiring cars during their stay has also decreased.
