Interest in travelling to the United States has dropped sharply among Dutch holidaymakers, according to new research by motoring organisation ANWB, quoted on Friday by RTL Nieuws.
The research shows the number of people considering a trip to the US has fallen significantly over the past three months. In March, 43% of respondents said they were less inclined to visit the country. By May, that figure had risen to 62%.
The decline has been linked to increased geopolitical tensions, safety concerns and stricter border controls introduced under president Donald Trump.
“We see that people have been unsettled by the situation in the US and tensions elsewhere in the world and are more often choosing European destinations or holidays in the Netherlands,” ANWB travel expert Seré Seesing told RTL.
In March, the official Dutch travel advice for LGBT+ travellers was updated to reflect the fact that “laws and customs there may differ from those in the Netherlands”. Ongoing protests in cities such as Los Angeles against Trump’s immigration policies have also contributed to people’s reluctance to visit.
For those still planning to visit the US, the ANWB being prepared for more rigorous entry checks, and taking out comprehensive travel insurance with medical coverage. Travellers should also ensure they carry a credit card with sufficient funds and have access to key contact numbers.
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