Hotel occupancy rate in the Netherlands is 12% higher than in the rest of the world 

Hotels in the Netherlands saw occupancy rise to 70% last year. This is an increase of 7% compared to the previous year. The increase is mainly driven by the arrival of foreign guests. With an occupancy rate of 70%, the Dutch hotel industry compares favourably where the global average hotel has an occupancy rate of 58% per cent (US 49.1% and the UK 62%). In contrast, the Netherlands scores relatively low on online check-in which is actually gaining share globally. The majority of Dutch people (85%) check in via the hotel reception while in the UK, on the contrary, 23% of guests already check in online. This is according to a analysis of Mews, provider of cloud-based software serving hotels.

Matt Welle, Mews CEO: "The Dutch hotel industry is changing dramatically. And although the daily price of a room 152 euros compared to the US and the UK may be a bit on the lower side, the revenue per guest is rising dramatically, with Dutch hotel guests charging an average of 195 euros. Moreover, you see hotels getting more creative. Together with the UK, the Netherlands is leading the way in this." 

Welle: "One in four hotels in the Netherlands uses Mews, so we know the market is full of forward-thinking hoteliers. And that pays off. Looking at occupancy rates, the Dutch hotel industry stands head and shoulders above the rest." He adds, "Revenue per guest is rising because hotels are getting more creative with how they use spaces and the services and facilities they offer guests. As a result, hotel revenues are more diverse. More hotels, especially in big cities, are able to offer hybrid stays. Guests extend their business trip by a few days to relax a bit more and enjoy their stay. This too brings in more revenue."

The number of guests who upgraded during online check-in almost doubled since last year, earning hotels an average of €37 for each upgraded reservation. Breakfast is the biggest 'upsell', but parking also generates a lot of extra revenue. The average revenue per parking space in the Netherlands has increased by 35%, with an average revenue per parking space in 2023 of €5,460.58.

Mews' research shows that annual staff turnover worldwide has risen to 44% where it was 39% in 2022. Welle says: "The labour market is under tremendous pressure in all sectors and that includes the hospitality industry. This is where technology can help improve efficiency so that hotel staff can really focus on guests. With growing staff turnover, it is important for hotels to implement simple technology that new employees can easily use."