VAT Increase Festivals and Gyms
RaveFit, Reading time: 7 minutesShare
Introduction
The new cabinet has decided to increase the low VAT rate of 9% to 21% for sectors such as sports, media, books, culture and hospitality. This increase is part of the main agreement of the government parties PVV, VVD, BBB and NSC. This change will come into effect from 2026.
To keep you as community members informed about what these developments entail and what the consequences are for you as festival and fitness enthusiasts, we have written this blog for you.
Summary
In this blog, we explain what the planned VAT increase from 9% to 21% means for sectors such as sports, culture, media, books and hospitality, and what consequences this has for you as a festival and fitness enthusiast. You can read how the higher VAT will affect the prices of sports subscriptions, festival tickets and hospitality products. We discuss the impact on sports lessons, personal training, sports clothing and equipment. In addition, we look at the effects on festivals, such as rising ticket prices and more expensive drinks, and how this can reduce the accessibility and quality of events. Finally, we share information about the actions that are being taken to counter this VAT increase and how you can contribute. Stay informed and discover how you can continue to enjoy sports and festivals despite these challenges with the help of RaveFit.
1 What does the VAT increase entail?
1 .1 Current Situation versus New Situation
Currently, a VAT rate of 9% applies to various sectors such as sports, culture, media and hospitality. From 2026, this rate will be increased to 21%. This change means a significant price increase for services and products in these sectors. If the 12% increase in VAT is fully passed on to the consumer, prices will increase by approximately 11%.
1 .2 Overview of the Affected Sectors
- Sports: Tickets for sports events, gym memberships and sports lessons.
- Media and Books: Newspapers, magazines, books.
- Culture: Theatres, museums, concerts, festivals.
- Hospitality: Overnight stays in hotels, meals and drinks in restaurants and cafes or at festivals.
1 .3 Reason of the Cabinet for the Increase
The governing parties PVV, VVD, BBB and NSC have decided on this VAT increase as part of their outline agreement. The cabinet expects to raise approximately 2.2 billion euros extra per year with the increase in the VAT rate. They want to use this money to spend in other areas, such as improving infrastructure, healthcare and other public services (Source: De Volkskrant). 2 Impact on the Fitness Sector
2 .1 Increase in Subscription Fees for Gyms and Fitness Centers
One of the most direct consequences of the VAT increase is that gyms and fitness centres will have to significantly increase their subscription costs. This price increase could make sports unaffordable for many people. The Platform Ondernemende Sportaanbieders (POS) has already announced that millions of sportsmen will be hit in their wallets, and expects that half a million Dutch people will stop playing sports (Source: AD).
2 .2 More expensive sports lessons and personal training
The costs of sports lessons and personal training will also increase. Commercial sports providers, such as gyms, padel courts and swimming pools, are not exempt from VAT, which means that their services will become considerably more expensive. POS warns that this development could be disastrous for the health and well-being of all Dutch people (Source: AD).
2 .3 Potential Impact on Sports Clothing and Equipment
The increase in VAT may also have an indirect effect on the cost of sports clothing and equipment. While these products are often already subject to the high VAT rate, the overall increase in sports-related costs may make consumers less likely to invest in these items, leading to a drop in sales and potentially higher prices due to reduced demand.
2 .4 In conflict with previous findings
This measure is at odds with the conclusions that were drawn a few years ago, after the corona crisis. At the time, it was emphasized that it was crucial that people should exercise more to improve both their physical and mental health. The increase in VAT seems to counteract these important health goals.
RaveFit shares these concerns and believes that sports should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. We believe that physical activity and a healthy lifestyle are essential for the well-being of society. That is why we oppose measures that make sports less affordable and call for action to stop this VAT increase.
3 Impact on Festivals and Events
3 .1 Increase in Ticket Prices for Festivals
One of the direct consequences of the VAT increase is that ticket prices for festivals will increase significantly. Festivals will have to pass on the extra tax to visitors, which can lead to significantly higher entrance fees. This can make festivals less accessible to a wider audience and cause visitor numbers to fall.
3 .2 More Expensive Drinks and Food at Events
In addition to ticket prices, the cost of drinks and food at festivals will also increase. The VAT increase will not only affect ticket sales, but also the catering industry at festivals. This means that visitors will have to pay more for their drinks, which will make the overall festival experience more expensive and possibly less attractive to festival-goers.
3 .3 Possible Decline in the Number of Events or Quality of Events
This year, festival organizations have already faced additional challenges due to the bad weather. An example of this is the organization Intents, which has had a number of setbacks this year. A few days before Karnaval Festival, they had to cancel the two-day festival due to heavy rainfall and high water. Also in early June, they had to disappoint a portion of their camping visitors for Intents Festival because the camping site was flooded due to the high water level.
These unforeseen circumstances already contribute to a tough festival year. With the VAT increase added, festival organizations will have an even tougher time. This could lead to a reduction in the quality and number of festivals in the Netherlands.
3 .4 Negative Economic Impact
The Netherlands is known as a festival country and enjoys international recognition for its vibrant festival culture. Every year, Dutch festivals attract thousands of visitors from all over the world. These festivals not only contribute to the cultural and social life of the Netherlands, but also generate significant income for the economy.
Festival prices have already increased significantly in recent years since corona due to inflation. These increases, combined with the planned VAT increase, may make festivals too expensive for many people. This could lead to a decrease in the number of visitors and the quality of the events.
If the number of festivals decreases due to the VAT increase and other financial challenges, this will not only be a loss for the Dutch festival audience, but also for the economy. Fewer festivals mean less income from ticket sales, hospitality turnover and tourism, which can have a negative impact on the financial health of the festival industry and the broader economy.
3 .5 Contrary to Previous Findings
This development is at odds with previous findings that emphasize the importance of festivals and events for people's social well-being and mental health. As with sports, it was also emphasized here after the corona crisis that social events are essential for the recovery of society. The increase in VAT threatens to undermine these positive developments (Source: AD).
RaveFit believes that festivals and cultural events should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. We believe that festivals play an important role in people's social and cultural lives and therefore support actions against the VAT increase.
4 Campaigning against the VAT increase
After the announcement of the government's plan to increase the low VAT rate from 9% to 21% for sectors such as sports, media, books, culture and hospitality, immediate action was taken. One of the initiatives that was set up is the action of geenhogerebtw.nl. This action focuses on mobilizing citizens to speak out against the proposed VAT increase.
4 .1 Purpose of the Promotion
The action of geenhogerebtw.nl is committed to maintaining the low VAT rate for sectors such as culture, sports, media, books and hospitality. Through petitions, protests and awareness campaigns, the action tries to draw attention to the negative impact of the proposed VAT increase and to counteract it.
4.2 Supporting Organizations
This action is supported by a wide range of organisations, including NOC*NSF, KNVB, Koninklijke Horeca Nederland, Federation Culture, Media Federation, and many others. These organisations represent various sectors that will be affected by the proposed VAT increase.
4 .3 Call to Action
As RaveFit we fully support the action of geenhogerebtw.nl and the petitions aimed at countering the VAT increase for festivals and fitness. We call on our community members to sign the petition against the VAT increase for festivals and the petition against the VAT increase for fitness subscriptions. Together we can send a powerful signal and stand up for the accessibility of sports and culture for everyone.
For more information check this link or the petitions below.
Closure
Do you have a burning question after reading this blog? Let us know in the comments below or message us on Instagram and TikTok.
At RaveFit we want to share our knowledge to improve and simplify your life. We hope you see us as your go-to source for fitness and festival tips and advice. Join our community and let’s enjoy the best of both worlds together!
Stay healthy, stay strong, and keep partying! #ForOurStrongRavers
7 comments
Heb beide petities ondertekend!
Bedankt voor deze summiere uitleg over de veranderingen.