North Holland Route Platform goes live: how to put leisure routes on the map
The North Holland Route Alliance has launched the Routes in North Holland platform — bringing together more than 200 walking, cycling and boating routes in one place. Event Connectors developed the underlying route platform. In this blog, you can read about what this platform does, why routes are so valuable for your region, and how this model works for other destinations too.
A single platform for all walking, boating and cycling routes in North Holland
On 21 May 2026, the Routes in North Holland platform was officially launched. Provincial Executive Member Esther Rommel (Recreation and Tourism) opened the event and spoke about the power of collaboration:
“Routes in North Holland is the result of close collaboration. Together with various local authorities, land management organisations and other partners, we have designed a single platform where recreation, accessibility and experience come together.”
The platform brings together more than 200 walking, cycling, boating, rowing, canoeing, SUP and horse riding routes from across the province. Visitors can choose an activity or theme themselves — from nature and heritage to water and landscape — and immediately find up-to-date information, diversions and regional tips.
Previously, these routes were scattered across dozens of websites and apps. Now the routes are gathered in one place: www.routesinnoordholland.nl.
Why invest in a route platform? Four benefits
Anneke Wijdogen – Vis, director of Marketing Zaanstreek, provided an inspiring insight during the launch into the value of recreational routes for a region. That value is broad and measurable:
1. Economic impact Walkers and cyclists spend money in the region: on hospitality, accommodation and local shops. A well-connected range of routes attracts more visitors and keeps them there longer. Research shows that recreational cyclists have a significant economic impact through their spending in the region.
2. Distribution of visitors A central platform makes it possible to prominently showcase lesser-known routes as well. This reduces pressure on vulnerable nature areas and spreads visitors across the entire province — even outside the peak season.
3. Vitality and health Outdoor exercise contributes to the mental and physical health of residents and visitors. Local authorities and provincial councils that invest in route offerings are investing directly in the vitality of their residents.
4. Destination management at scale A route platform is more than just a map. It is a tool for provincial destination marketing: direct visitors to ‘undiscovered areas’, reduce pressure during the breeding season, communicate up-to-date information and collaborate with partners on a single, consistent narrative.
The launch: from speech to boat trip
Following the official opening by Deputy Rommel, those present from the North Holland Route Alliance enjoyed an educational boat trip through the Wormer and Jisperveld — accompanied by guide Hans and skipper Jef. A fitting start for a platform that unlocks the most beautiful routes in North Holland.
The platform will be continuously expanded in the coming period with new routes, seasonal content and activities from the affiliated partners.
Event Connectors: innovative developer of route platforms
The underlying platform was developed by Event Connectors. We build SaaS route platforms for destinations, provinces and marketing organisations that wish to professionally showcase their recreational offerings. North Holland is one of the destinations for which we do this. We are developing similar route platforms for the Veluwe and Zandvoort.
Our platform is designed for collaboration:
- Local authorities, tourism organisations and marketing organisations can submit and manage routes themselves
- Up-to-date information (diversions, tips) is easy to keep track of
- The platform is scalable: from a single region to provincial level
- Fully accessible in accordance with WCAG guidelines
Are you a route marketer, destination marketer or tourism policy officer at a local authority or county council? If so, we’d be happy to help you set up your own route platform for your region.
Who might find a route platform useful?
- Route marketers who want to centrally publish and manage their route offerings
- B Destination marketers who want to spread visitors across a region and build their loyalty
- B Tourism policy officers from local authorities and provincial councils working on recreational destination management
Want to know more?
The route platform Routes in North Holland has been launched — the central hub for walking, cycling and boating routes in North Holland. Event Connectors developed the platform for the Routealliantie Noord-Holland. An innovative example of how recreational routes and destination marketing come together in a single powerful tool for local authorities and marketing organisations. View the platform at www.routesinnoordholland.nl or contact Event Connectors to explore what a route platform can do for your city, region or destination.
Source: Stunning photos were taken by Rogier Reker (Province of North Holland)