Decline occupancy rate of hotels in Netherlands and Amsterdam coronavirus 2019-2020

The average occupancy rate of hotels in the Netherlands and Amsterdam decreased by more than half due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Between March 8, 2020, and March 14, 2020, hotels registered an occupancy rate of approximately 40 percent in the Netherlands, and 41.2 percent in Amsterdam. The immediate effects of coronavirus on hotels, restaurants and cafes consisted of more cancellations than normal, as well as less reservations than before. This according to more than half of respondents in a survey conducted on the effect of the COVID-19 on gastronomy held in March 2020. Furthermore, approximately 40 percent said to see a lower occupancy rate, whereas 20 percent felt restlessness among personnel.

Economic impact coronavirus on hospitality

From an economic perspective, Dutch respondents working in the hotel and restaurant sector estimated to see a 33 percent decrease in revenue due to the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. Moreover, daytime services expect to see a loss of 32 percent, whereas fast services are to see a decrease of 27 percent. Correspondingly, from a question whether there are enough financial buffers to survive the coronavirus pandemic, Dutch hospitality sector predicted that they did not have sufficient financial resources to survive the coronavirus epidemic for more than two to three months. Of this group, more than half indicated that they could not even survive for one month without (governmental) financial support.

Majority will continue following health instructions coronavirus

As the coronavirus spread around the globe, people were forced to follow new health and behavior related rules to prevent the virus from spreading too fast. In the Netherlands, an online survey measured the willingness of the Dutch to comply to social distancing and other behavioral rules. Roughly 45 percent indicated to be willing to receive no guests until the end of October. However, individuals were more willing to follow the health instructions such as coughing and sneezing in elbow (90.5%) as well as washing hands thoroughly (88.1%) till end of October.