4. Conclusion

The purpose of this study is to analyse the economic evolution of the tourism sector in relation to its impact on the environment between  2015 and 2022. Compared to other sectors, the tourism sector makes an above average contribution to the consumption of drinking water, biomass and energy, as well as the emitting of greenhouse gases. During the research period, the tourism sector in the Netherlands had an average share in the total economy of approximately 4 percent. However, tourism's share in environmental impact in the aforementioned categories was more than 4 percent of the total. The aviation and accommodation and food services sectors, in particular, are responsible for this above-average share. Another finding is that tourism contributes 7 percent of the total environmental taxes and fees paid. On the other hand, the tourism sector uses few metals and materials, generates little waste and emits low levels of particulate matter.