国内英语新闻:18 pct more Chinese visit Holland in 2014, fastest growth

THE HAGUE, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- The number of tourists from China to the Netherlands in 2014 grew by 18 percent over the previous year to a total of 250,000, the greatest percentage growth from all countries, NBTC Holland Marketing stated on Tuesday.

In 2014, around 14 million international tourists visited the Netherlands. That is an increase of 10 percent compared to 2013. Like in previous years, most visitors came from Germany at over 3.9 million, followed by Britain and Belgium, according to NBTC, which is responsible for branding and marketing of the Netherlands nationally and internationally.

In addition, almost 1 million tourists came from the United States. Visitor numbers from Russia decreased by 6 percent, especially because of political tensions and the depreciation of the Russian ruble.

In 2015, NBTC expects an increase in visitors of around 4 percent, to a total of 14.5 million international tourists. Arrivals from Asia are expected to grow further.

Jos Vranken, CEO of NBTC, said the government is investing 50 percent less in the branding and marketing of destination Holland, while "our country has to deal with large and growing competition."