The National Tourism board NBTC has published it’s opinion on where next years Eurovision should be held, suggesting that they’re less keen to have the contest in the capital Amsterdam.
The Director of Strategy and Branding at NBTC Conrad van Tiggelen has suggested some alternatives, such as The DureGelredome in Arnhem, Ahoy in Rotterdam and The MECC in Maastricht.
In a post on their website, The Director has said:
Cities are already tumbling over each other to indicate that they are interested in hosting the event next year. Amsterdam has also registered as an interested party. This while the capital is already struggling with the pressure of large numbers of visitors.
Conrad continues how he doesn’t want to see cliché images of The Netherlands, saying:
The rival Dutch cities have understood correctly… But then in the right way and for the right goals. So please no images of romantic Amsterdam canals, clogs at the Zaanse Schans and the Night Watch from the Rijksmuseum. But an additional, surprising picture of the Netherlands that makes the overall picture richer. Use the song festival to show the lesser known places of our country. In 2014 we saw Ilse de Lange and Waylon with tulips on a houseboat as an introduction to their song.
Conrad continues, suggesting some alternative venues to Amsterdam:
In 2020, things must change. That starts with hosting the festival at an unknown, but no less great location. Gelredome in Arnhem, Ahoy in Rotterdam or MECC in Maastricht for example.
Conrad has then suggested ideas for the Eurovision postcards saying:
Then have the German entry cycle on e-bikes along the heritage locations in the Noordoostpolder. Take shots of the Italian entry in the serene splendor of the Groningen churches. The Danish singing talent introduced from the design city of Eindhoven. Also use the interest for our old masters. But choose the great collection of 17th-century masters in the Dordrechts museum. Because our art treasures from the Golden Age cannot be found only in Amsterdam.
Dutch broadcaster NPO hopes for the bidding process to begin in June, with a host city announcement by the end of summer.
Cities in The Netherlands currently showing interest in hosting the event so far include:
| City | Venue | Capacity | |
| Amsterdam | Amsterdam RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre | 12,900 | Hosted the Eurovision Song Contest 1970 |
| Johan Cruyff Arena | 55,000–68,000 | Capacity usually lowered to 35,000 for concerts | |
| Ziggo Dome | 17,000 | ||
| Arnhem | GelreDome | 41,000 | |
| Breda | Breepark | 13,000 | Joint bid with S-Hertogenbosch |
| Enschede | Airport Twente | 11,000 | |
| S-Hertogenbosch | Brabanthallen | 11,000 | Joint bid with Breda |
| Leeuwarden | WTC Expo | 10,000 | |
| Maastricht | MECC Maastricht | 20,000 | |
| Rotterdam | Ahoy Rotterdam | 15,818 | Hosted the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2007 |
| The Hague | Cars Jeans Stadion | 15,000 | Dependent on the construction of a roof over the stadium |
| Malieveld | 15,000 | ||
| Utrecht | Jaarbeurs | 11,000 |
Which city would you like to host next years Eurovision? Let us know in the comments section below!
