Tourism is one of the strongest sectors in the Province
The tourism and recreation sector in the province of Drenthe will suffer major losses this year as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak. Losses could amount to half a billion euros, reports RTV Drenthe. There are some bright spots on the horizon though, with more and more Dutch residents holidaying domestically this year.
“Normally, that sector is good for 1.7 billion euros in turnover. A number of months have been lost, though. I think I am still on the low side when I say that I expect turnover to be 500 to 600 million less this year” , said Provincial Executive Henk Brink.
According to Brink, some companies will go bankrupt this year. But he does think that Drenthe is becoming more popular to live because of the peace and space over a longer period.
Brink also mentioned a soon-to-be unveiled national government scheme for entrepreneurs, where they can reclaim half of the investments they have to make to become ‘Corona proof’.
“These costs are, for example, investment in a system so that you can open the doors without using your hands,” says Brink. There is a maximum of 2,500 euros per company available, but the Dutch government has not yet completely approved the opening of the counter.
Image via Marketing Drenthe
