Terschelling verhoogt toeristenbelasting voor ambitieuze havenverbouwing

2026-06-04 binnenland

Terschelling, donderdag, 4 juni 2026.
De gemeente Terschelling stapt in op een grote verbouwing van de Willem Barentszkade en de werkhaven. Het totale project kost 68 miljoen euro. De gemeente draait hier 23 miljoen euro bij. Dat dwingt tot moeilijke keuzes. De toeristenbelasting gaat omhoog. Ook moet er 8 miljoen geleend worden. Critici spreken van een financieel drama. Vooral de oppositiepartij Samen Terschelling is bezorgd. Zij vrezen dat het eiland daardoor onbereikbaar wordt voor veel toeristen. Andere partijen vinden de stap hard nodig. Zonder goede infrastructuur is het toerisme bedreigd. Het nieuwe ontwerp voorziet in een glooiend talud en drijvende steigers. Werkzaamheden beginnen mogelijk eind 2028.

ambitious havenplan approved despite concerns

The municipal council of Terschelling approved a major renovation of the Willem Barentszkade and working harbour on Tuesday, June 2nd [1]. The total cost of the project is estimated at 68 million euros [2]. The municipality will contribute 23 million euros, consisting of 15 million previously committed and an additional 8 million euros approved during the meeting [3]. This decision paves the way for detailed design work to proceed [4].

rising costs prompt tax increase and borrowing

Financing the municipality’s share of 23 million euros necessitates difficult measures [5]. The incoming executive board plans to raise the tourist tax by one euro per night [3]. Additionally, the municipality needs to borrow eight million euros to cover its contribution [6]. Fractievoorzitter Jan Cees Smit acknowledged this poses a problem, stating clearly that both the tax hike and borrowing were necessary consequences of the decision [7].

design changes aim for functionality and longevity

The new design replaces initial plans for a vertical seawall with a sloping revetment (glooiend talud) along the Willem Barentszkade [3]. Floating pontoons are planned for the brown fleet [1]. These changes aim to create a more resilient and functional port expected to last approximately 100 years [8]. Construction is anticipated to start by the end of 2028, subject to further planning and approvals [3].

political division and leadership transition

The decision faced opposition primarily from the party Samen Terschelling, which voted against the funding increase [1]. They expressed concern that raising taxes could make Terschelling unaffordable for many visitors [3]. Meanwhile, parties supporting the move, including Plaatselijk Belang, VVD, and PvdA, deemed the investment unavoidable for future accessibility and tourism [3]. On the same evening, Alderman Bert Wassink handed over responsibility for the harbour dossier to his successor, Klaas Kielstra [9].

national and regional support secures funding

The national government contributes significantly to the project, covering half of the total costs up to a maximum of 34 million euros [3]. The province of Friesland adds five million euros to the budget [3]. Regional funds account for another six million euros [3]. This multi-layered financing structure reduces the direct burden on the local taxpayer but still requires substantial municipal investment through taxation and loans [1].

Bronnen

toeristenbelasting nieuwe haven