Dutch participation in holidays, 1990-2002
The number of long holidays was higher than ever in 2002. Summer holidays are still most popular.
| 1990 | 1995 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | |
| Holiday intensity | million | |||||
| Number of people taking long | ||||||
| holidays | 9.9 | 10.3 | 11.1 | 11.1 | 11.2 | 11.3 |
| Average number of long holidays | numbers | |||||
| - per holidaymaker | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 2.0 |
| million | ||||||
| - number of long holidays | 16.3 | 17.9 | 19.3 | 19.0 | 19.8 | 22.4 |
| Participation | % | |||||
| Short holidays | 30.9 | 33.5 | 36.4 | 34.3 | 35.8 | 41.3 |
| Long holidays | 69.9 | 71.8 | 74.4 | 74.0 | 74.2 | 74.2 |
| Domestic destination | 47.7 | 48.9 | 49.4 | 49.5 | 50.4 | 53.3 |
| Destination abroad | 50.4 | 54.6 | 57.1 | 56.9 | 56.8 | 59.5 |
| Summer holiday | 68.4 | 71.0 | 73.0 | 71.8 | 72.7 | . |
| Winter holiday | 36.6 | 38.8 | 42.9 | 43.0 | 42.0 | . |
| Source: CBS. | CBS/EDC/Sep03/0039 | |||||
General developments
In recent years approximately 50% of the Dutch population spent one or more holidays in the Netherlands, irrespective of the length of the holiday. Slightly more than 50% also take a holiday abroad. Whilst the vast majority of Dutch people take a holiday in the summer period (May-September), many people are taking a short or long winter break as well. In relative terms, the number of holidays in the winter over the last ten years rose faster than holidays in the summer period.
Long holidays: developments
In 2002 almost three-quarters of the population took one or more long holidays away from home. This is equivalent to 11.3 million people taking a total of 22.4 million long holidays.
Short holidays: developments
The number of people taking short holidays is also slightly down on last year. On average, there were more holidays per holidaymaker than in 2001. In 2002, there were 9.7 million short holidays. In particular, domestic destinations with a caravan or folding trailer, holidays to summer chalets and boats were popular in 2002.
Relevance
Holidays, and therefore travel and residence at holiday destinations, are a common phenomenon in our society, but the activity puts pressure on the environment. Traffic flows become concentrated during holiday periods, both on the roads and at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport. In addition to the annoyance caused by travel delays, travel patterns also cause considerable nuisance in the vicinity of Schiphol. Holidays and recreation result in local environmental pressure, primarily as a result of waste.
Technical note
A long holiday is defined as a stay away from home for recreational or pleasure purposes with at least four successive overnight stays not spent with family or friends.
References
- CBS (2003). Statline. Continu Vakantie Onderzoek. Statistics Netherlands, Voorburg/Heerlen.
Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium
- Emissions to air by Traffic and transport in the Netherlands, 1990-2002*
- Noise exposure and dwellings exposed to noise around Schiphol airport, 1990-2002
Relevant information outside of the Environmental Data Compendium
- More information about holidays can be found in Vakanties van Nederlanders and Toerisme en recreatie in cijfers van het CBS and on Statline (Statistics Netherlands).
