New cooperation

for future-proof hospitality in Laag Holland

The provision of information and promotion of the hospitality sector in the Laag Holland Holland region has reached an important milestone. During a festive press event, the intensified cooperation between Bureau Toerisme Laag Holland, Stichting Tourist Information Edam-Volendam, Stichting Promotie Waterland and VVV Purmerend was officially announced. With this step, the four foundations are building a joint and future-proof approach to physical and digital hospitality in the region.

After five years of exploration and an intensive cooperation process, the foundations have been laid for a sustainable partnership between Bureau Toerisme Laag Holland and the local VVVs. By joining forces, they can better respond to future challenges and opportunities. Shirley Benoit, managing director of Bureau Toerisme Laag Holland, proudly looks ahead: "Over the next two years, we will join forces to further professionalise the provision of information and hospitality in the region. This is an important step towards an eventual merger."

The world of information provision, digitalisation and hospitality is constantly changing. Within the VVVs, around 160 volunteers dedicate themselves to informing over 30,000 residents and visitors every year. "It is essential that their efforts fit seamlessly with the professional information provision, marketing and destination development of Bureau Toerisme Laag Holland," stresses Erwin van Altena, chairman of Stichting Promotie Waterland. "Through this cooperation, we are growing in a natural and structured way towards one joint organisation. That is our dot on the horizon."

Festive announcement

The festive announcement took place at Talland College, a fitting location where the next generation is being trained in hospitality and digital development. Students from PSG secondary school followed the optional GameDesign course at Talland College and gave an innovative presentation under supervision in the immersive room, completely immersing those present in the experience of Laag Holland.

The cooperation focuses on several key spearheads. For instance, thanks to financial support from the participating municipalities, work is underway to develop a regional product line and initiate experiences that fit the identity of the region. In addition, a partner package will be jointly developed, through which entrepreneurs will not only benefit from the efforts of the foundations involved, but at the same time contribute to their preservation. Finally, a uniform and recognisable regional image will be created in the VVV branches of Edam, Marken, Monnickendam, Purmerend and Volendam, thus strengthening the unity and cohesion within Laag Holland.

The afternoon ended with a toast to a promising future and the successful launch of this cooperation. This was also underlined by alderman Bootsman (Edam-Volendam). 'I am proud that these four parties are joining forces to put our region even stronger on the map and welcome valuable visitors! Because together we have it all: culture, vast landscapes, iconic windmills, beautiful cycling and walking routes, water recreation and atmospheric villages and towns full of history and conviviality.

The four foundations confidently look forward to the future in which they work a strong positioning and attractive way to present themselves to the outside world.