The Hague hospitality businesses brace for major losses ahead of NATO summit

Hospitality businesses in The Hague and nearby areas are preparing for a sharp decline in customers and income in June due to road closures and security measures surrounding the NATO summit. Restaurants report canceled reservations, reduced deliveries, and fears of prolonged revenue loss as the Dutch government urges people to avoid the Randstad during the high-security event.

The NATO summit will take place on June 24 and 25 in The Hague, but its impact on local businesses has already begun. Last month, Johan de Wittlaan—one of the city’s key thoroughfares—was closed and will remain off-limits until early August. Temporary structures for the summit have been erected along the route.

The national government has advised the public to avoid traveling in the Randstad region from Monday, June 23, through Thursday, June 26. Businesses in and around The Hague expect this to significantly reduce foot traffic and accessibility.

At the Scheveningen beach, the Zanzibar Beachclub is anticipating serious financial setbacks. A manager at the establishment told ANP, “We think we are going to suffer a huge loss of income. They’re going to close everything off, it’s going to be a traffic chaos.” He added that normal operations likely will not resume until August.

Restaurant Steam, which has locations in Scheveningen and Noordwijk, is also expecting direct consequences from the summit. “We will definitely be affected by the NATO summit and lose revenue, especially in Scheveningen,” sales marketer Giuliano D’Alba told ANP. “There’s so much going on in The Hague and Scheveningen that people are staying away. It’s leading to quiet weeks, fewer guests, and cancellations by groups and tours who’ve decided to go to another city because of the summit.” According to D’Alba, the disruption also affects logistics. “Suppliers aren’t making deliveries during the summit,” he said.

In nearby Wassenaar, Restaurant De Landbouw may shut down entirely during the summit. Owner Anja Canters explained to ANP, “If I’m not accessible, then it doesn’t make sense to deploy staff or prepare food.” She noted that the N44, a nearby major road, will be closed during the event. “Because of that, people have already canceled their reservations,” Canters said.

The hospitality industry is voicing broader concerns through trade association Koninklijke Horeca Nederland (KHN). The organization said the summit is causing anxiety among some businesses, particularly due to limited access to the Scheveningen beach, fewer events scheduled in June, and a drop in hotel bookings by business travelers in the weeks before the summit.

Still, KHN sees one possible benefit. A spokesperson said, “Thousands of visitors to the event might choose to go out in the city. Especially in the evenings, the hospitality industry could benefit from that.”