More holiday visitors welcome at Dutch farm B&Bs
By Rachel Deloughry
The number of rural B&Bs and campsites in the Netherlands is growing. Adapting to the so-called 1,5-metre society has been bringing out a lot of creativity and resilience in many sectors and B&Bs on farms is a great example of this.
There are now more than 100.000 places available on more than 2.000 Dutch farms, from tent pitches and glamping to eco-lodges and farmhouse guest rooms, so there’ll be no need to fret about missing out on a fun, exciting, relaxing holiday this summer.
Dutch farmers show resilience and creativity as B&B hosts
Every crisis causes an economic dip and this calls for resilience. Farmers, many of whom drove numerous times to The Hague in recent pre-corona times to protest about policy and income security have, of course, seen the coronavirus crisis as a further blow to their livelihood.
But those with the ability to find another source of profitable income alongside their usual work are thriving. Farmers with the capabilities of hosting holiday guests are finding the summer months to be of great benefit to their overall income. Some 2.000 Dutch farms offer places to stay and fun activities for foreign and Dutch holidaymakers
B&B hosts adapt to fewer international visitors
“We are popular with international tourists, and they often book a year in advance. We were packed this year until the coronavirus started to spread. Suddenly, it was raining cancellations." John van der Zalm, a dairy farmer from Woubrugge told Dutch newspaper AD.
Due to the pandemic, he had to quickly appeal to a new kind of clientele - one closer to home. “Suddenly, we had to make ourselves known to the Dutch holidaymaker. We are currently trying to find our way in the vast jungle of providers. "
Agricultural tourism in the Netherlands is a growing sector, which has increased more than 10 percent since 2013. There are now 720 farm-based campsites, 380 B&Bs on farms and 500 cottages or apartments and 400 group accommodations on the grounds of a farm or agricultural company.
Book a Dutch holiday in the countryside
In the Dutch countryside, you can find peace, space, hospitality and authenticity. Certain places boast tranquillity in nature, while others are action-packed with treasure hunts, workshops and educational tours. Wake up to the sound of roosters crowing and sheep bleating and nourish your soul with farm-fresh food!
Book your stay on a Dutch farm directly with a farmer or through accommodation providers. Here are some places where you can find your dream Dutch holiday:
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Lifestyle editor at IamExpat for the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. Rachel has her finger on the pulse of what's happening in the realm of festivals, exhibitions, concerts and markets. She received her Master of Music from Utrecht Conservatory and before that, earned a Bachelor of Music in Ireland. She is passionate about music, painting and design.Read more