Dutch holidaymakers stick to the Netherlands

The appeal of holidays in the Netherlands has seen an increase in the number of domestic Dutch tourists.

Figures from the organisers of the Holiday 2008 trade fair revealed that 54 per cent of people from the Netherlands plan to take advantage of the cultural delights of their home country.

This figure marks a rise of 43 per cent on 2007 and shows that the Dutch are keen to take short breaks and day trips on home soil.

Destinations such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the country's 20 national parks are all key places for tourists. Amsterdam boasts such attractions as the Anne Frank House, the Van Gough Museum and the impressive canals. Meanwhile, the port city of Rotterdam is easily reached on cross-channel ferry from the UK and as a previous European Capital of Culture is home to a series of art galleries and street festivals.