Discover how Dutch Masterpieces can transform your event
ACCESSIBILITY
Easily Accessible World maps thanks to: Joan Blaeu - 1600s and TomTom - today
Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions
Holland is easy to find and to reach Our maps can show you the way
Looking for a location that’s accessible and central, on a global scale? Then look no further than Holland. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is one of the largest airports in the world, with direct connections to 317 European and international airports in 98 countries. We’re 10 hours non-stop from Bangkok, 7.5 hours from New York and only 1 hour from London. Once on the ground, high speed trains can carry you around the country, or get you here in the first place. The Thalys will bring you from France in 4 hours; only 2 hours from Belgium. And the ICE trains connect Germany and Holland in a mere 3 hours. Or perhaps you’d prefer to arrive over water? Rotterdam is home to one of the world’s largest seaports, cruise ships frequent Amsterdam’s harbour, and our waterways connect with some of Europe’s most majestic rivers and canals. From creating the first world map in the 17th Century, to digitising it all on the Dutch invented TomTom, Holland’s always made it easy for people to find their way to us.
CULTURE
Holland’s culture is rich and diverse Spanning many centuries and all five senses
Dutch culture is built on being a trading nation – for hundreds of years we have crisscrossed the world, and woven our travel experiences back into our land. Today Holland is comprised of people from over 190 different countries, and consequently a myriad of cuisines. While our local cheeses are still world renowned, we also offer many Asian flavours, especially Indonesian delicacies. Even in our small villages you will find Chinese and Italian food, if not Thai, Spanish, French or Indian as well. And for the true connoisseurs, our restaurants offer no fewer than 123 Michelin stars. Our world famous museums showcase hundreds of years of fine arts excellence, while in the surrounding streets you’ll also be dazzled by works from today. Our DJs like Tiesto and Armin van Buuren are globally respected, while Dutch Design of products and interiors is a phenomenon unto itself. And our small country hosts a range of different landscapes. You can wander miles along our open North Sea beaches, or explore the quiet Veluwe forest, right in the heart of the country. Sail by traditional windmills on your way to Zeeland’s impressive dykes, or in winter ice skate your way to an arts festival or dance performance. Whichever sense you want to indulge, there’s plenty to experience.
Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions
Rich Culture From Rembrandt’s Nightwatch 1642 to DJ Tiesto - today
VENUES
Inspiring Venues
Palace on the Dam 1670 to Eye Film Institute today
Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions
Holland enjoys creating impressive venues A skill we picked up while learning to hold back the sea Our centuries of building have taught us a thing or two, and these days we’re proud to showcase a rich diversity of architecture. Within this range Holland offers state-of-the-art business and congress venues to suit your various needs. And not just in the big cities – in every corner of the country. The RAI in Amsterdam, World Forum in The Hague, or versatile MECC in Maastricht will meet all the requirements of upscale, large number attendee events. But on our beaches and in our woods, and in the hearts of our villages and cities, you’ll also find conference centres and hotels in every shape and size. If it’s tailor-made you’re looking for, then Holland has your venue.
From classic...
to avant garde:
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
Amsterdam Conservatorium Hotel
From board meetings...
to product launches:
Park Hotel Amsterdam
Amsterdam ArenA, Beurs van Berlage
From big-bigger-biggest...
to cosy:
Amsterdam RAI, World Forum The Hague
Duin & Kruidberg Country Estate
COMPACT
Holland makes the most of its compact size We’ve been detail-oriented for hundreds of years In Holland we’ve built proof to support the saying: good things come in small packages. Supported by an impressive infrastructure, nearly 17 million of us get along just fine in a land 300 kilometres long from North to South, and only 200 kilometres wide from West to East. From Amsterdam you can reach every major city, or the tiniest of villages in under three hours by train, bus or car. Or with more time you can also navigate the country by boat, along our beautiful canals. 1. Amsterdam – Rotterdam: 45 minutes Not far from Amsterdam’s Unesco World Heritage listed canal belt, you’ll find the contemporary architecture and design highlights of Rotterdam. Enjoy its fine skyline over one of the world’s largest seaports. And for events focussing on innovation, sustainability or ‘green planning’, this is the city for you. 2. Amsterdam – Utrecht: 30 minutes Just south of Amsterdam lies one of Holland’s oldest treasures; Utrecht, built by rich merchants in the Golden Age. Enjoy a meal by the ‘Old Canal’ that meanders through the city centre, or admire mansions along the River Vecht, just outside town. This is a place for exquisite meetings. 3. Amsterdam – Groningen: 120 minutes This charming university town in the North of the country lies in the heart of a rural area where you can enjoy the ‘typical Dutch landscape’: vast meadows, cows, old farms and traditional village life.
Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions
Compact size Antoni van Leeuwenhoek 17th century ‘Father of Microbiology’
ADD SOME ORANGE
Inspirational Admiral Holland the great, great, great grandfather!
Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions
And now it’s your turn to... add some orange Let our Dutch Masters help you create an historic event Holland has always been curious, we’ve lived for discovery – and now we invite you to come and discover Holland. As Mr. Holland, I’m here as your guide every step of the way. I can introduce you to our contemporary Dutch Masters in meetings and conventions – together we’ll help you plan the event that perfectly fits your needs. I’ve even developed an online tool to start the process. Answer three simple questions, and we’ll send you advice about the best available options for your upcoming event in Holland. Get started at:
meetmrholland.com/meetingtool Oh and lastly in case you’re wondering about the orange? Willem of Orange was the founding father of Holland, and our present King Willem Alexander of Orange is... a direct descendant. Orange is simply a part of us, and has become the colour of preference to wear when supporting our many sportsmen and women and teams, whether at home or abroad. So step away from your business greys, blacks and blues and add some orange – be as bold as the Dutch Masters were in their time – and create a little history yourself.
Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions P.O. Box 63470 2502 JL The Hague The Netherlands mrholland@holland.com holland.com/meetings