Coach sector not included in national tourist pass

Recently, the media reported that several Dutch political parties were calling for a national tourist pass that would give the fourteen million foreign tourists who visit the Netherlands each year easy access to public transport.

What I don't understand is why the media failed to include coach operators in this scenario. coach operators have so much to offer in terms of traveller mobility, but were completely ignored, which is a shame.

No coaches

The NOS broadcasting company recently published an article titled ‘Amsterdam to ban coaches in city centre’. To reduce traffic congestion, coaches are required to park outside the city centre, forcing tourists to continue their journey by public transport. Coach drivers are then expected to spend hours waiting for their passengers in a huge car park. But tourists don't just stay in Amsterdam; they also visit other popular destinations outside the city, like the Veluwe nature area, the town of Volendam and amusement parks. The problem is a lack of public transport connections to and from these destinations. With this in mind, why don't we use the coaches that are ready and waiting just outside the city centre and fully equipped to transport tourists? This would be much more efficient and much cheaper than setting up new public transport routes. I smell an opportunity!

Service

The Netherlands has much more to offer than the tourist attractions in the city centre of Amsterdam. But tourists tend to stick to the city because they don't know what else to do or because they can't get to where they want to go. It's in everyone's best interest – politicians, the tourist sector and the transport sector – to find a solution to this problem. We should think outside the box, use the available capacity and involve all parties that can add value to the chain. I look forward to tackling this challenge head on and discussing the issue with the relevant parties. 

Bron: NRIT Media

Paul Timmermans
Paul Timmermans
Commercieel Manager
Share this article

Leave us your comment!

Name*

E-mail*

Message*