The Hague recently withdrew from the race to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 and threw its support behind Rotterdam — a city that’s less than 30 minutes away by car. According to their logic, having Eurovision in Rotterdam will have a knock-on effect with tourists — and their money – cascading to nearby towns and cities.

And it seems the regional support for the big R isn’t in short supply. Now the province of Zuid-Holland has committed one million euros to support the song contest should Rotterdam seal the deal.

Rotterdam is the largest city in the province and the centre of its business and commercial activity. It’s the largest port in Europe and a major transport hub for bulk materials coming in and out of the continent. Until 2004 it was considered the world’s busiest port (though it’s subsequently been taken over by Singapore and Shanghai).

Speaking to AD.nl, Rense Weide of the VVD — that’s thePeople’s Party for Freedom and Democracy — explained why he thinks Eurovision could be a boon for the province at large.

“Hundreds of millions of people watch it every year. It’s a golden opportunity to promote Zuid-Holland pearls such as Kinderdijk, Keukenhof, the cheese town Gouda and the royal town of The Hague. [It could be done] in the films that are recorded to introduce the candidates [aka the postcards].”

Hotel prices in the city are said to be climbing already as anticipation builds that Rotterdam will secure the gig.

Will Utrecht withdraw from the race?

Meanwhile, the city of Utretcht, another candidate city, faces a difficult financial landscape.

AD.nl reports that the largest party on the city council — GroenLinks — doesn’t want to cough up the cash to make Eurovision happen. Apparently smaller opposition parties agree with them.

“We have a Spring Memorandum that is tied together with adhesive tape — the money has run out,” Tim Schipper, a member of the SP, tells them. He says they city needs millions for other restoration projects. “I don’t feel like securing an unknown amount for this party.”

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Rbbn
Rbbn
4 years ago

Amsterdam just withdrawn from bids.. no venue is available for Eurovision. Rotterdam a definite frontrunner!

Joe
Joe
4 years ago
Reply to  Rbbn

It’s gotta be Rotterdam now. Maastricht is the only real other contender but I’m guessing it’ll be Rotterdam.

KESC
KESC
4 years ago
Reply to  Rbbn

Rotterdam or Arnhem please!

ESC2020NL
ESC2020NL
4 years ago

UPDATE: Amsterdam just announced that they called off to host the Eurovision songcontest! we can almost be sure that it will be Rotterdam then.

Justice
Justice
4 years ago

Rotterdam is getting some serious love from basically everywhere. Even most of Amsterdam kind of thinks Rotterdam should host.

Azaad
Azaad
4 years ago

All the winds seem to be blowing in Rotterdam’s favour. Nevertheless, we all thought Odessa was going to win the bidding in late 2016 and of course ESC 2017 was held in Kyiv.

Azaad
Azaad
4 years ago
Reply to  Azaad

Well now that Amsterdam has withdrawn it’s just a matter of time for Rotterdam to be named

Thunder and lightning it's getting exciting
Thunder and lightning it's getting exciting
4 years ago

Rotterdam is my favourite to host ESC 2020…I hope it will win 😉