Yachting development in the Netherlands in 2030, 2040 and 2050
As part of its national market and capacity analysis of the use of waterways, bridges and locks in the future, the National Water Board of the Netherlands (Rijkswaterstaat) has commissioned WA Yachting Consultants to develop a projection for recreational boating in 2030, 2040 and 2050.
The study (for the first time in 2016) is based on growth scenarios developed by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (Planbureau voor de Leefomgeving) and the Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (Centraal Planbureau).
The report paints a picture of the development of sports in the Netherlands. It highlights factors such as the impact of aging, changes in leisure preferences, lock passages, the development of recreational day trips, youth and sports, and cultural differences of immigrant populations. By applying two growth scenarios, the report discusses demographic trends, population growth and composition, expected economic growth, regional development, urbanization, mobility, climate and energy policy. Two trade associations are also referenced to explore the sale of new and used boats, nationally and internationally. The results -- especially with concern to the effects of aging in water sports -- are confronting for the industry. It is expected that the number of boats in the future will decrease by approximately 25%, a process that is already underway.
Recommendations are made via a high and a low growth scenario and the report highlights factors that could influence developing trends.
In 2020 the expectations were updated with the effects of Corona on the yachting industry and the cruise market.