Tourism, recreation and events

Insight into policy and effects

Decisio carries out a wide range of assignments in the field of tourism, recreation and events. Our services cover a broad set of research methods that help provide insight into the effects of policy: social cost benefit analyses, economic impact studies, monitoring and evaluations. We examine:

• what tourism and recreation contribute to the local and regional economy, including visitor spending, added value and employment;
• what this means for maintaining local amenities, such as supermarkets or swimming pools that residents also rely on;
• how cultural facilities such as music venues and theatres benefit residents and businesses;
• how the positive effects above balance against negative impacts, such as nuisance, overcrowding or pressure on nature and ecology.

We support public authorities in shaping their tourism and recreation policies, drawing on a broad‑prosperity perspective and integrated assessment methods.

Expertise applied across a wide range of tourism issues

Our team brings extensive knowledge and expertise, particularly in the areas of:

• water‑based recreation and tourism, and water‑related industries (the nautical cluster)
• coastal recreation, sea and river cruises
• aviation‑related tourism
• tourism, recreation and cycling
• cultural centres and museums
• the economic impact of events and sport
• the economic impact of accommodation providers
• sector analyses and the effects of VAT increases and tourist taxes

Working together on visitor measurement: precision matters

To determine the economic impact of an event, accurate visitor measurement is essential. For large ticketed events, such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Zandvoort, a pop concert or a World Speed Skating Championship, ticket sales provide a solid basis. For large open‑access events, however, obtaining reliable visitor numbers requires specialist expertise. At Decisio, we collaborate with various partners to measure visitor flows and conduct surveys. Depending on the event, we use innovative techniques such as mobile phone data, automated camera counts, drones and survey panels, complemented where needed by fieldworkers. By combining smart use of available data with locally collected information, we develop a tailored approach that fits the impact assessment of your event.

Continuous improvement in addressing your challenges

Decisio contributes to methodological development and stays up to date with the latest insights. Under the leadership of Breda University of Applied Sciences, we helped develop the KNEITER guideline: the national guideline for Economic Impact Studies in Tourism and Recreation. We also work regularly with universities of applied sciences and CELTH (Centre of Expertise for Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality), and we give guest lectures on economic impact and social cost benefit analysis in the field of recreation and tourism. Through collaboration, knowledge exchange and joint innovation, we contribute to better insights and ultimately to more effective tourism and recreation policies that benefit both the economy and society.