We, as entrepreneurs in the tourism sector of the municipality of Eijsden-Margraten,
are very concerned about the continuing increase in the tourist tax. In the
past five years, this tax has doubled.
What does this mean for the camping guest? On average, an overnight stay at a campsite in
Eijsden-Margraten costs €25.00, but the camper will pay (for two adults) as much as
€30.40 in 2025. This is due to the tourist tax of €5.40 per night. The tourist is looking at the
total price to be paid, not just the overnight rate.
Due to the continuous increase in tourist taxes and demanding government, it is becoming increasingly difficult for
mini-, farm and campsite owners to set aside money for investments
and innovations, which society increasingly demands. Think for example of the
energy transition, a challenge for the whole society, for which entrepreneurs need money
to realize it.
On top of this is the nationwide proposed increase in the VAT rate to 21%. We, as
entrepreneurs in the border municipality, are going to experience an even higher tax burden as a result and
our competitive position will be further weakened. The VAT component in Belgium is 6%. Because of the
location, the price comparison by the guest, will be very disadvantageous for Eijsden-Margraten.
The municipality mentions the tourist tax as an important source of income, but we question
whether sufficient research has been done on the impact of these increases. Possibly
it drives tourists away to nearby municipalities where the tax is three times lower. It is
worrying that Eijsden-Margraten currently levies the highest tourist tax in the region,
with no apparent thoughtful evaluation or dialogue with the
entrepreneurs involved.
The tourist tax was originally intended to contribute to the maintenance and
improvement of local facilities so that campers, tourists and residents alike can benefit
from them. Unfortunately, it is observed that for years the revenues have been
used primarily to cover municipal budget deficits, without any real consultation or long-term
policy. The annual increases serve only to make the municipal
budget round, something that the municipality of Eijsden-Margraten also openly admits. In addition to
the fact that politicians are greatly disadvantaging their own SME entrepreneurs, this attitude is also
contradictory to national legislation.
What is the consequence? The “goose with the golden egg” is slowly being squeezed out. With the explosive
increase in tourist taxes, camping, once one of the charms of our region, risks being replaced by large-scale bungalow parks in
the future. This would lead to a
“chrome potting” of the landscape in our beloved rural community. This is a
development that we do not consider desirable.
Call to politicians: we call on the municipality to engage in dialogue with local
entrepreneurs and work together to find a fair, sustainable and structural approach. Only
by working together can we find a solution that benefits tourists, residents and
entrepreneurs alike. Only in this way can Eijsden-Margraten maintain and strengthen its position as a
attractive tourist destination, in harmony with the landscape and its inhabitants,
.
