BTW-verhoging 2026: Hogere prijzen verwacht | Update

Festival and theme park attendees are facing increased costs as a result of a recent value-added tax (VAT) increase. Beginning March 1st, a higher VAT rate will be applied to tickets, and organizers are passing those costs on to consumers.

Rising Ticket Prices at Major Events

The VAT on festival tickets is increasing from 6 percent to 12 percent. Tomorrowland, a prominent music festival, will see a price increase of 9 euros for a day ticket, bringing the total to 138 euros. A combi ticket will now cost 327 euros, a 23 euro increase compared to last year.

Did You Know? Over the past ten years, the price of a single-day ticket to Tomorrowland has risen nearly 50 percent, from 91 euros to 138 euros.

Debby Wilmsen, a spokesperson for Tomorrowland, stated that the VAT increase is “certainly” a factor in the price adjustments, but also noted a broader trend of increasing costs. “Everything is simply more expensive,” she said, referencing rising prices in everyday life, such as restaurants and cinemas.

Impact Beyond Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland isn’t the only event affected. Rock Herk is increasing ticket prices by 15 percent. Rock Werchter’s price increase will be more gradual; a day ticket will rise from 137 euros to 140 euros initially, but is expected to reach 147 euros after March 1st when the 12 percent VAT is fully implemented.

Expert Insight: The cascading effect of a VAT increase demonstrates how policy decisions can ripple through the entertainment industry, impacting both organizers and consumers. The need to balance profitability with accessibility is a constant challenge for event planners.

The price hikes extend beyond music festivals. Plopsaland Belgium and Walibi have both announced price increases for tickets to their respective theme parks. Tomorrowland is also assessing pricing for food and beverages, with an aim to maintain a pint of beer around the current price of 3.5 euros.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new VAT rate for festival tickets?

The VAT rate for festival tickets is increasing from 6 percent to 12 percent.

How much more will a Tomorrowland day ticket cost?

A Tomorrowland day ticket will cost 9 euros more, bringing the total to 138 euros.

Are theme parks also affected by the VAT increase?

Yes, Plopsaland Belgium and Walibi have both announced price increases due to the VAT increase.

How will these price increases affect attendance at these events in the coming months remains to be seen.