How the Dutch Grand Prix Is Boosting Tourism and Motorsport Interest
11/21/2024 09:18 AM
Avid motorsport enthusiasts are already getting tickets for the 2025 Netherlands Grand Prix to secure their spot. A historic event returns in full swing and at the end of August next year Zandvoort will see a big surge of tourists. This race has been around since 1950 and it put the Netherlands on the global motorsport map. Here, we explore how much of an impact this Dutch F1 event has on a tourism draw and rise in interest in this sport.
Statistics on Extra Revenue Generated Through Tourism
Annually the Netherlands sees over 20 million tourist arrivals which can net them up to 20 billion USD and even more. On a global scale, the country ranks 14th in the number of tourists it receives on a yearly basis. Tourism is so crucial that there are 14 state-owned casinos where guests can lodge, party at night, and play games. For those who prefer the convenience of gaming online, exploring the top 10 European online casinos is an excellent way to experience the thrill from anywhere.
It’s evident that the entertainment sector is closely tied to tourism, so the country strives to provide a diverse program for guests from all walks of life. Not too long ago they made online casino gaming legal, which opened the doors for both domestic and foreign tech businesses. Tourists looking for fun things to do often reach for online gaming and are happy to claim no deposit bonus Netherlands offers on their sign-up. And, if they find casinos with sportsbooks, it's a win-win. Betting on this Dutch 2025 sporting event further adds to the excitement of the race.
After all, it’s difficult to imagine enjoying sports events nowadays, without the ability to gamble or place bets. One study based on EMI (Euromonitor International) figures has shown that hosting F1 events boosts tourism in the Netherlands by an average of 6%. During this time, retail sportsbooks and other businesses like restaurants and museums profit significantly.
Extra Spending in Zandvoort and Amsterdam Metropolitan Region
In 2021, Breda University of Applied Sciences specifically investigated the economic impact of the Dutch Grand Prix. According to the results, the spending in Zandvoort has increased by €22.3M during the event. Moreover, the spending in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region ramped up to €44.5M. In terms of added economic value, it is €8.9M for Znadvoort and €23.2M for the MRA region.
The event also allowed for 244 jobs in the host city and 254 more in the MRA region. Overall, there were around 195,000 visits, while 87% of visitors reported they would not have come if it wasn't for the race. However, it’s important to remember that the 2021 Grand Prix took place during the pandemic. It was restricted to 2/ 3 of the total Zandvoort capacity, and the numbers are higher now.
What Makes Zandvoort a Hotspot for F1 Fans?
The Circuit Zandvoort location is one of the reasons so many Formula-1 enthusiasts are attracted to this place. This is why:
Firstly, Zandvoort is a coastal town, so visitors can stroll along a 9-kilometer sandy beach and enjoy the view of the horizon.
Secondly, the town is only a 30-minute train ride from beautiful Amsterdam city. This makes it accessible for many travelers and allows sightseeing in the capital. So, it is an opportunity to experience more of the Netherlands than just the race.
Finally, the Netherlands itself has a very favorable location in Europe. For example, it only takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to get from London Heathrow to Amsterdam. A flight from Barcelona takes around two hours.
The country has made a spectacle of this event and had much organizational success. F1 awards are not only reserved for the drivers, as Dutch GP was named the best promoter of the year and the most sustainable one in 2023. Seeing that the Grand Prix gave the region a social and economic boost, they are determined to help grow and popularise the sport.
Growing Fanbase
Exciting track, great grandstands, and cycling to the event are only some of the reasons that make F1 Zandvoort races one of fan favorites. As Formula 1 grows in popularity, more people are watching the races and purchasing tickets for the event. A record number of people want to see if it's possible to chase invincible Max Verstappen down.
Cost-Effectiveness of Hosting Grand Prix
Hosting annual sporting events is significantly cheaper compared to bigger events like the Olympic Games or the World Cup. For instance, Macao’s government spent $10M to organize the 2024 Formula-1 GP, while London invested $25,5M only to secure their winning bid for hosting the Olympics in 2012 and $4B to deliver them. And that was back in 2012 before the post-COVID inflation.
Street Races Are More Popular than Track-Based Events
EMI figures suggest hosting a street race might boost Netherlands tourism more than track races. Namely, staging a street race accounts for 8.6% of a Formula-1 host country's tourism draw. The number falls to 5.5% for a track-based event. That may be because spectating motorsport F1 Netherlands is more convenient on the street. You don’t have to buy a ticket to follow the action from nearby bars and hotels. Such races are also deemed more unpredictable