Benelux: One Region, Three Markets

Summary

The Benelux region – comprising Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg – is frequently viewed as a homogenous geographical area rather than separate countries with unique travel-specific characteristics and trends.

Neither Belgium, the Netherlands nor Luxembourg were immune to the perils of the euro crisis, the eruption of the Icelandic volcano EyjafjallajÖkull or any of the other challenges that impacted the European travel industry in 2010 and 2011. Compared to most of its EU neighbors, however, the Benelux travel market fared relatively well, and has recovered from most of the losses suffered in 2009 and 2010.

This Spotlight examines the online and total travel markets in this small but dynamic region, identifying key similarities and important differences between the individual country markets it includes.