Utrecht, 14 January 2025 - The well-attended 54th edition of Vakantiebeurs showed over the past five days that the Dutch are even more travel-minded than before. Royal Jaarbeurs, organiser of Vakantiebeurs for more than 50 years and expert in organising events for the travel industry, looks back on the past edition with great enthusiasm. Together with more than 900 exhibitors, the organisation inspired more than 71,000 visitors with travel information. Many exhibitors have already signed up for the revamped Vakantiebeurs 2026 in which Jaarbeurs responds to the changing travel market.
Visitors more on discovery: demand for specialist trips increases
For travel publisher Harald Kolkman of Meridian Travel, Vakantiebeurs was another resounding success. "We noticed a huge demand for information about specific destinations. The Vakantiebeurs is the place for us to introduce consumers to our publications." Sawadee travel also looks back on the past edition with great enthusiasm. Manon van Dijk: "The visitors we met are not only travel-minded, but also have a clear idea of what they are looking for: special trips where experience is central. This year, we saw a strong interest from visitors in authentic, sustainable experiences where travellers really get to know culture and nature. We also noticed that people stayed longer at the fair and took more time for personal conversations." Exhibitor Sunny Cars noticed that the Dutch want to explore more. "We received enthusiastic visitors who feel like travelling. Whereas last year a lot of Europe was booked at the fair, this year visitors wanted to discover more. Destinations such as America, Japan and Costa Rica were very popular these days," said Manon Prins.
Vakantiebeurs revamps: Jaarbeurs responds to changing travel market
Jaarbeurs last week presented its new concept for Vakantiebeurs 2026 which clearly separates travel professionals from visitors. For travel professionals, Vakantiebeurs presents the Travel Trade Days to exchange knowledge and expertise, discover new trends and technologies and enter into collaborations to achieve sustainable growth in the travel sector. The Travel Trade Days consist of four theme areas: Travel & Tech, Travel & Destination, Travel & Sustainability and Travel & Business. Marleen Rompen, exhibition manager: "With these themes, we are responding to the changing wishes and needs of travel professionals regarding a future-proof travel industry. I am proud that after a well-attended first edition of the 'Travel & Tech' trade event, with a focus on digitalisation in the travel industry, we will now take an even bigger step and also focus on the three other topical themes in the travel industry."
For visitors, the organisation is fully committed to a complete world trip full of experience, inspiration and adventure in one location. Marleen Rompen: "Travellers are increasingly looking for meaningful ways to discover the world. Personal, sustainable and unique experiences are central when choosing their next trip. At Vakantiebeurs, we therefore want to offer our visitors authentic experiences and the latest travel information so that people can best prepare for their next destination." Among others, the Spanish Tourist Board, Turkish Tourist Board, Slovenian Tourist Board, Captain Cruise and 17 African travel specialists have already signed up for the next edition.
Vakantiebeurs 2026 will take place from Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 January. The Vakantiebeurs Travel Trade Days will take place on Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 January at Royal Jaarbeurs.
