Over the past few years, there has been an increasing global trend of music fans travelling from country to country to attend the biggest festivals, concerts, and sporting events. With flights readily available from many different providers, and hotels and Airbnb options making lodging a cheaper option for most fans, it’s become much easier to traverse the world to see the top live events. And according to ticket marketplace viagogo.com, the Netherlands is at the forefront of global event tourism, both in terms of outside visitors coming into the country and Dutch people travelling abroad.
For international visitors coming to the Netherlands, the most frequently searched event of 2015 is undoubtedly the festival Sensation. Taking place on July 4th at Amsterdam Arena, this year’s Sensation festival will be marking its 15th anniversary in existence. This year’s line-up (in order of appearance) features Bakermat, Oliver Heldens, Mr. White, Fedde Le Grand, Laidback Luke, and Sander van Doorn.
With a star-studded line-up, demand for the Amsterdam-based event has been especially strong in the United Kingdom, United States, France, Brazil, and Australia. The cheapest regular ticket for Sensation at viagogo.com currently costs €85, or roughly $95. A deluxe Sensation package costs €244, or $272. Included in the package is a private, separate entrance to a dedicated Sensation Deluxe entrance, access to the main area and main dance floor, as well as access to other Deluxe areas such as a special Deluxe DJ line-up. You’ll also receive a free locker and two free drinks as part of the package.
For sporting events, Netherlands football is the most popular event for overseas fans to watch live. Feyenoord makes up 20 percent of viagogo searches by fans located outside of the country. They have a match this Sunday, May 24th, against Sc Heerenveen with tickets starting at just €15 ($17.)
Overall, whether it is festivals, concerts, or sports, event tourism has had such a major impact in the Netherlands that the country ranks second in Europe for international event searches on viagogo’s website. “We are seeing an incredible rise in event tourism all around the world and the Netherlands is definitely leading the charge on this trend,” according to a viagogo spokesperson. “The Netherlands’ location at the heart of Europe plus its wealth of exciting events, and the popularity here of sites such as Airbnb, has made it easier than ever for overseas fans to make the most of all that the country has to offer.”
With festival season coming upon us, expect fans to continue the trend of increased international travel, and you can expect the Netherlands to continue leading the charge.
