The impact of Coronavirus on the travel industry in the Netherlands

Since first being identified, the coronavirus COVID-19 has spread to many countries all around the world. The total number of diagnosed cases is increasing at an alarming rate by hours now. It is a global health crisis that the world was not prepared for in any way, shape, or form. This pandemic has not only resulted in a health crisis but, various areas of our lives have also been affected by this. Our education, businesses, market industry, food industry, etc. all have taken a toll. This also includes our traveling industry, especially those countries and companies that derived their major income from tourism and travel.

Given the current situation, we won’t be traveling any time soon. As of now, all international flights have been delayed or canceled and it does not seem like some countries will be opening their borders for travel and tourism anytime soon and most countries have even closed public venues and attractions even for local people. No matter how much we deny it, COVID-19 has affected our approach towards life. We have become more conscious and careful about the decisions we make. It is not like people will be planning a spontaneous trip to the Netherlands or someplace else soon. And according to some studies and analyzed data, this won’t be possible until 2021.

According to World Economic Forum, the tourism industry accounts for 10% of global GDP, and The World Travel and Tourism Council has warned that this pandemic could cut 50 million jobs worldwide in the travel and tourism industry. It could take up to 10 months for the industry to recover, once the outbreak is over. These are just facts and figures put together by the data provided and the current pattern of the pandemic. The impact would depend on how long the pandemic lasts.

Even if we look on the brighter side of things, and say that we will get over this pandemic soon by some miracle and all good intentions, traveling will not be the same for a long time. There are going to be strict guidelines from countries and who know some countries might not even open their borders directly but, rely on safe corridors (through other countries).

The Netherlands, like numerous other countries, is taking drastic measures to prevent further spread of coronavirus. It is possible that new safety measures will be introduced, as the situation is changing rapidly. Some leniency is expected for business travel like goods and other professional transport which is considered to be “essential traffic”. For Dutch people who are abroad and wish to return home are advised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to contact their travel organization and transport company to discuss options for returning home safely.

As of travel related to tourism, this is a question still under evaluation because access to most tourist sites and attractions will still be denied and a new tourism policy will be implemented that will ensure the health and safety of nationals at all costs. Health and safety is everyone’s top priority for now.

Waarom amsterdam bezoeken in juli?

De piek van het toeristische seizoen in Amsterdam is, zoals je zou kunnen raden, juli. Het weer is vrij warm, terwijl de dagen langer zijn dan in andere maanden van het jaar. En natuurlijk zijn er tal van activiteiten die je doen in deze stad in juli. Privétours, festivals, lokale evenementen of meerdere optochten, maken Amsterdam bruisen van het leven en de opwinding.

 

Amsterdam in juli: to do list

 

#1 Private Amsterdam Crime Tour

 

Iedereen heeft het over de Amsterdamse Wallen of multiculturele evenementen. Maar wat zou je denken als we je aanraden om een privé Amsterdam Crime Tour te boeken?

Nou, de realiteit is dat elke stad in deze wereld een donkere kant heeft die leuk is om te ontdekken en te verkennen. Met behulp van deze privétour krijg je de kans om meer kennis te krijgen over de Nederlandse maffia, de drugsproblematiek in de stad of mensenhandel. Je loopt voornamelijk door China Town, Red Light District en de eerste coffeeshop in Amsterdam. Hier vindt u waarom marihuana werd gedecriminaliseerd en zelfs details over de Marokkaanse maffia te krijgen.

 

#2 Privédagvan Amsterdam naar Rotterdam met de trein

 

Als u Amsterdam bezoekt,raden wij u ten zeerste aan om een dagtrip naar Rotterdam te boeken. Met slechts een uur reizen met de trein, krijg je de kans om een andere belangrijke stad in Nederland te verkennen met prachtige bezienswaardigheden en architectuur.

Vanaf het Centraal Station van Rotterdam dwaal je door de straten en maak je kennis met de toptoeristische attracties in Rotterdam, zoals de Markthal, de Kubuswoningen of de Oude Haven. Het is een stad met een vrij moderne flair, maar het bewaarde heel goed zijn geschiedenis, die gemakkelijk kan pe waargenomen in het oude havengebied.

 

#3 In Rotterdam, bekijk het North Sea Jazz Festival

 

Het North Sea Jazz Festival is een jaarlijks terugkerend evenement in Rotterdam. Het is geweldig voor degenen die houden van jazz, pop en indie vibes, zoals verschillende artiesten uit de hele wereld deelnemen en uit te voeren tijdens dit evenement. Drie dagen lang wordt Rotterdam de jazzhoofdstad van de wereld, waarvan we met zekerheid kunnen zeggen dat het nodig is om aanwezig te zijn als je in juli Nederland bezoekt.

De schoonheid van dit evenement ligt in het feit dat naast de populaire artiesten op het gebied van jazz, pop of indie, nieuwere, aanstormende talenten worden uitgenodigd om te ondersteunen en te onthullen hoe ze de jazzcultuur in de toekomst zullen vertegenwoordigen.

 

#4 Comedy Train International Summer Festival in Amsterdam

 

Het belangrijkste festival in Amsterdam is het Comedy Train International Summer event dat begint in juli en begin augustus eindigt. Georganiseerd door Toomler comedy club biedt het aan het publiek een enorme stand-up programma waarin twee komieken uitvoeren voor vier nachten op een rij voordat een ander duo kan overnemen.

Als een internationaal evenement, komieken uit de hele wereld worden uitgenodigd, dat is de reden waarom alle zeugen worden georganiseerd in het Engels. Dus, als je het leuk vindt om stand-up show bij te wonen, is dit de plek om in Amsterdam te zijn om plezier te hebben en te lachen met de grappigste mensen op aarde.

 

#5 Boek een privédagtrip van Amsterdam naar Antwerpen

 

Omdat het juli is en het weer meer dan gastvrij is, is onze topaanbeveling voor deze tijd van het jaar om te overwegen een reis naar België te boeken in de stad Antwerpen. Je krijgt de kans om de meest gebedatterde Europese hoofdstad te verkennen vanwege de chocoladeproductie, terwijl een privégids je te allen tijde zal begeleiden.

Je bezoekt toptoeristische bestemmingen in de stad, zoals het Marktplein, het stadhuis of de prachtige Gildehuizen uit de Gouden Eeuw, terwijl je aan het einde van de rondleidingen de kans krijgt om zelf rond te dwalen.

Boek nu een tour in Amsterdam!

When in Amsterdam, These Dishes Are a Must Try!

From sweet to savoury, street food in Amsterdam offers a variety of flavours to try. The tempting food scene of the city will have you craving for the Dutch flavours. There are simply tens of them. In this guide, we have listed 5 best street food dishes in Amsterdam. We also offer a gourmet food tour.  Either way, foodies might want to save a lot of space in that tummy. Bon appetite!

 

Frites, or Thick Dutch Fries – Aren’t fries found everywhere across the globe? Yes, but you get the best fries in Amsterdam. We bet the thick Dutch fries are hard to find elsewhere. Mentioned in menus as frites or patat, the dish is a bed of crispy fries usually served in a paper cone. Traditionally, it comes slathered with a variety of toppings like onions, mayo, and peanut satay sauce. Frites are a feast on the lips!

Frites tip: Ask for patatje oorlog or speciaal curry at Vleminckx de Sausmeester.

 

Stroopwafel, or Dutch Sweet Waffles – For all those with an insatiable sweet tooth, Dam offers a delectable treat called Stroopwafel. It is made with two thin and crispy layers of waffles, stuck together with a layer of sweet syrup. The dish is served hot and makes an excellent snack to munch on.

Stroopwafel tip: We suggest you enjoy them hot and gooey from Original Stroopwafel food kiosk in Albert Cuyp Market. They make the best waffles in Amsterdam.

 

Bitterballen, or Dutch Meatballs – This is a dish you will find in the menus of most local eateries. Traditionally prepared with molten beef and creamy roux, the Dutch meatballs are often relished with mustard dip. Crispy and delicious, Bitterballen is usually eaten alongside biertje or beer. We warn you to resist the first bite of this meaty snack for as long as possible because the white roux sauce inside is always piping hot.

Bitterballen tip: Enjoy a couple of Belgian drinks with a large platter of bitterballen at Winkel 43.

 

Raw Haring, or Raw Dutch Herring – Haring is another famous, typically-Dutch street food in Amsterdam. You will find haring stands at every nook and corner of the city. The fish is usually served with a garnish of chopped onions and pickle pieces. While tasting frozen and salted herring might sound scary to the uninitiated, a try is totally worth it! Most people fall in love with the taste of it immediately after the very first bite.

Haring tip: Head straight to Stubbe’s Haring street kiosk to taste the best quality haring. Ask for broodje haring to get the fish served in a sandwich.

 

Poffertjes, or Dutch Pancakes – Poffertjes are scrummy sugary treats that are traditionally served with butter and powdered sugar. Do not forget to enjoy some of these poffertjes with Nutella. They taste so good that you might end up having the entire platter all by yourself. Who could have thought that pancakes could be so addictive!

Poffertjes tip: The best place to try delicious poffertjes is Pancakes Amsterdam. Here, you can create custom pancakes too.

 

If you are interested in exploring Amsterdam’s local food culture with a guide, then we offer the perfect food excursion tour for you. We have thoughtfully curated the tour to make sure you get to taste every single one of our local Dutch flavours. Our tour is led by a local Amsterdam food guide, who walks you through Old Church, China Town, Royal Palace, and the narrowest street of Amsterdam. We promise the best 2 hours of pure epicurean pleasures. You will unravel the rich Dutch food culture and go home with happy palates.

Why visit Amsterdam in June?

As you might guess, at the beginning of summer, Amsterdam will start to get packed up and buzzing with tourists. Amsterdam in June comes alive, allowing you to meet people form all over the world and exchange travelling experiences. Also, several cultural events are available on the spot, whilst venues get packed up with places to sit on, admire the urban scenery and enjoy a Dutch cuisine specialty.

 

Amsterdam in June: To do list

 

#1 Book a Private Amsterdam Red Light District Tour

Our top recommendation for activities to be done in June in Amsterdam is booking a private Red-Light District Tour. And this is due to the fact that the days are warmer and there are more and more people wandering around the streets, which will give you an authentic local feel.

The tours starts from Amsterdam’s Central Station from where you will walk to the famous Red-Light District. It is a great opportunity of getting a glimpse of famous tourist spots in the city, including China Town, Schreiers Tower, the Buddhist Temple, the Old Church, the first coffee shop in the world or the prostitution information centre.

 

#2 Complete your Red-Light District experience with Amsterdam’s Jazz Festival

We suggest you add to your June itinerary in Amsterdam the celebration of Jazz in the Red-Light District. It is an annual event that gives this city the reputation of an authentic jazz city. The purpose of this event is to underline a more cultured side of the infamous Red-Light District.

It is an outstanding three-days festival, that will entice you with performers from all around the world that master the delicacy of jazz notes. Every jazz lover should attend this festival at least once!

 

#3 Attend the Holland Festival in Amsterdam

One of the oldest and vastest festivals held in Netherlands is the Holland Festival. In Amsterdam, it gathers a series of events that include theatre, music, opera or modern dance. Of course, during the past years the usage of visual arts or films appeared on the program, making this festival in Amsterdam the go to place if you aim to get a close look at everything this multicultural city has to offer.

The events take place in venues all around Amsterdam like the city theatre, the opera, the Concertgebouw or Muziekgebouw concert halls. Every edition held in June has its own unique theme, whilst the programme mingles perfectly both contemporary pieces of work and classical references.

 

#4 Day trip to Aalsmeer Flower Festival

And if you thought that flower festivals happen only in April when the popular tulips start to bloom, we assure you were mistaken. The village of Aalsmeer is at 30 minutes train ride from Amsterdam, being poplar for its June festival held each year.

It is great for those that are passionate for horticulture, as several auctions are held. Yet it is also suitable for those that enjoy admiring the colourful beauty of those flowers. The latest trend in flower design or flower planting techniques are shared during several workshops, making this a rather cultural day trip from Amsterdam.

 

#5 Book a private Amsterdam Coffeeshop Tour

Coffee lovers from all around the world attend this interesting coffee tour in Amsterdam. In 2 hours, you will explore important landmarks in the city, along with a visit to the world`s biggest coffeeshop Prix d`Ami.

With this tour you will learn all about the coffee culture in Netherlands, intriguing facts about the Dutch laws and drugs, whilst at the end of the tour during the coffee shop visit, you will even learn how to roll a joint!

Book a tour in Amsterdam now!