Tourism in Groningen Reached Record High in 2024
Province sees largest growth in the Netherlands with 900,000 visitors, boosted by better weather and rising international interest
Tourism in Groningen hit an all-time high in 2024, with 900,000 visitors staying in hotels, holiday homes, campsites, and other accommodations across the province. This marks an 11% increase compared to 2023, the highest growth of all Dutch provinces, according to figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS).
While Groningen still trails far behind major destinations like Amsterdam — which drew over nine million visitors — the upward trend is notable. Since 2012, the number of tourists in Groningen has grown steadily, rising from 600,000 to the current record of 900,000.
A closer look at the data shows that both domestic and international tourism contributed to this growth. Dutch tourists increased by 9.3%, while foreign guests rose by 16.6%. Among international visitors, Germans were the most frequent, accounting for 163,000 overnight stays.
CBS attributed the rise in part to favourable weather conditions in 2024. Compared to 2023, which saw poorer weather, the warmer and drier climate made Groningen more attractive for getaways.
The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic also played a role. In 2022, many Dutch tourists opted to vacation abroad after years of restrictions. Now, there appears to be renewed interest in domestic destinations, with Groningen benefiting from the trend.
Looking ahead, tourism numbers could continue to grow. Hostel chain Stayokay has announced plans to open a 50-room location in the heart of Groningen city, which may draw even more visitors in the future.
Other provinces that saw notable increases include Utrecht (8%), Friesland (7%), and Noord-Brabant (7%). Noord-Holland remained the most visited province overall, with 16 million guests — a 4% increase from the previous year. Overijssel was the only province to report a decline, with a 3% decrease in visitors.
Overall, Groningen’s tourism sector is showing strong momentum, setting the stage for further growth and development in the coming years.