The Netherlands is a country that blends the past, present and future in unexpected and beautiful ways, from iconic tulip fields and windmills to modern architecture and fine dining, to sustainability, creativity and innovative ways of thinking, resulting in an ideal destination for meeting planners. 

Why The Netherlands 

• The Netherlands has been recognized as the most competitive economy in Europe. 

• The country’s central European location makes it easily accessible from not only throughout Europe, but the U.S. and indeed worldwide 

• The inclusive nature of the Netherlands is evident through its diversity and sense of open-mindedness. 

What’s New in the Netherlands 

• The Rembrandt House Museum reopened with five new spaces and a multimedia tour that makes the house and 17th century come to life 

• The National Holocaust Museum tells the history of the Holocaust in the Netherlands 

• A new Multimodal Hub Schiphol is underway, improving access to the region via new the train and bus stations at the airport 

There are plenty of options when it comes to things to see and do in the Netherlands, as well as places to grab a bite to eat, or host a power lunch or dinner. Here are a few spots to pique your interest. 

See 

Rotterdam 

Considered one of the most dynamic cities in the country – and about a 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam – Rotterdam is at the same time modern, innovative, sustainable and unique. Destroyed in World War II, today Rotterdam is not only known as one of the world’s largest ports, but for its modern architecture, art galleries and even a floating farm, too. 

De Hoge Veluwe National Park  

At just over 13,000 acres, De Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the largest nature reserves in the Netherlands and is best seen on foot or in the saddle of a bicycle. Three wildlife observation posts, four bird watching huts and five game pastures are found throughout the park to help with wildlife viewing. Art enthusiasts in the group will be delighted to learn that the Kröller-Müller Museum is found within the park. Within the museum they’ll find the largest private collection of Van Goghs in the world. 

The Rijksmuseum  

The national museum of the Netherlands, The Rijksmuseum tells 800 years of Dutch history, from 1200 through today. In addition to that rich history, see the works of Dutch Masters Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh up close. The expansive museum houses more than 8,000 works of art, so you will want to be sure to take your time to see as much as possible; guided tours are available.  

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Creators of Live, a Hosts Global Member. 

Do 

Cheese Experience 

In a country known for its delicious cheeses, a cheese tasting is a must-do when in the Netherlands. Rather than sitting inside, have your group hop on bicycles to ride through the countryside, blue skies overhead, grazing cows and iconic windmills dotting the landscape. Your destination, a local farm for a private cheese tasting. Now that’s a gouda day! 

Create A Delft Blue Tile 

Take your teambuilding activities to another level by creating your own Delft blue tile at Royal Delft (De Porceleyne Fles). A Dutch tradition for more than 370 years, craftsmen at the iconic porcelain house have produced classic pieces enjoyed by collectors the world over. Grasp that inspiration to create your own classic tile to take home with you.  

Take a Canal Cruise 

The best way to see Amsterdam is on its canals. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010, the 17th century waterways flow through the city, not only providing a different perspective, but a look at how the city once transported food and other items quickly and efficiently. A private canal cruise for your group can be fully customized, whether you’re up for a wine and cheese tasting or a full meal, day or night.  

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Creators of Live, a Hosts Global Member. 

Eat

d’Vijff Vlieghen 

Walls decorated with 17th and 19th century gold-plated leather, 18th and 19th century prints of Dutch buildings, and 17th and 18th century Delft Blue tiles set the scene for a memorable meal at d’Vijff Vlieghen in the heart of Amsterdam. Open for dinner, the menu at the “culinary museum” changes with the seasons to highlight the freshest Dutch ingredients, like a poultry terrine with poached pear and apricot compote; lemon sole with pearl barley and an anchovy beurre blanc; or vegetarian options like aubergine with star anise, fennel and goat cheese. Private dining rooms are available for your group. 

Pesca 

Forget white table cloths and menus – at Pesca, it’s all about the fresh catch of the day, and a show to boot. Think fishmongers slinging fish at Seattle’s Pike Place Market, but inside a restaurant in Rotterdam. Pesca calls itself a Theatre of Fish – a shared dining experience where you and your guests will choose your own fish and side dishes, all with a mission to avoid unnecessary food waste. 

Beachclub C 

After a full day of work or play, treat your guests to a beachside feast at Beachclub C in Noordwijk. Set amidst the sand dunes with panoramic views of the sea, it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy yourselves. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu at Beachclub C is Mediterranean inspired, with a twist of Asian flare. Dishes like chorizo croquettes with panko and yuzu mayonnaise; crispy rice salmon tartare with wasabi mayonnaise; and a pan-fried short loin with Szechuan jus and fries are sure to please. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Creators of Live, a Hosts Global Member. 

Stay/Meet 

Just as the Netherlands has something for every meeting planner and attendee, so does ALHI — the Grand Hotel Huis Ter Duin is ready to welcome you and your guests. 

Grand Hotel Huis Ter Duin 

Away from the hustle and bustle is Grand Hotel Huis Ter Duin, a family-owned, five-star hotel on its own private beach on the North Sea, less than 20 miles from Schiphol Airport (AMS) and about 30 miles from the heart of Amsterdam. With 254 guest rooms (including four suites and 20 penthouses) and 19 meeting and event spaces that encompass more than 42,000 square feet, you and your guests have plenty of space to spread out and make yourselves right at home.  

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Creators of Live, a Hosts Global Member.