As an entrepreneur, I can only say tourism has been very good for my business. It has created many jobs over time, both directly and indirectly.
The village bakery opened a lunchroom. There is a new gift shop selling trinkets and gadgets and even a small art gallery. Benefits reach ordinary middle-class businesses, not only hotels and holiday parks.
I feel fortunate that so many people come for the Achterhoek’s nature and atmosphere. In high season, however, it can become almost too much. My wife says the business always comes first and our family receives whatever remains. She is right.
A seasonal business gives us our livelihood, but during summer it can also take the owner away from the family it is meant to support.
We operate a bungalow park, and our guests generally behave well. Through the local business association, though, I hear about problems experienced by other entrepreneurs.
My greatest concern is the proposed Betuwelijn, a freight railway connecting Rotterdam’s harbours with the Ruhr. I understand the government’s economic reasoning, but I cannot understand choosing a route through such a beautiful natural area.
My park is not directly beside the proposed railway. Even so, guests would experience the noise and disruption while walking or cycling. Peace, space and nature are exactly what people come here to find.
The Achterhoek’s tourism product is quiet itself—and once that is broken by freight traffic, no entrepreneur can manufacture it again.
The railway could therefore harm businesses far beyond its immediate route. Tourism depends on the wider landscape, not only on what happens inside a bungalow park.
I want economic development, and I recognise the importance of transport. But decisions should include the value created by nature, recreation and a regional identity built around tranquillity.
My tourism business is thriving; what I do not know is whether the quiet surrounding it—the reason guests arrive—will be allowed to survive.