The Wadden Sea: The Best-Known World Heritage Site in the Netherlands
New national research into the awareness of UNESCO World Heritage shows that once again the Wadden Sea is the best-known World Heritage Site in the Netherlands. According to the "Publieksonderzoek Unesco Werelderfgoed" by the Dutch UNESCO Commission, Stichting Werelderfgoed Nederland, and Nederlands Bureau voor Toerisme & Congressen, among all Dutch respondents, the Wadden Sea is mentioned most often spontaneously (26%) — more than any other Dutch World Heritage property. When shown a list, the Wadden Sea again tops the charts with 77% of respondents being aware of the site, placing it well ahead of other iconic Dutch sites such as the Amsterdam Canal District (71%) and Willemstad, Curaçao (64%).
The Wadden Sea is not only well known — people also love visiting it. It receives one of the highest visitor satisfaction scores of all Dutch World Heritage sites, with an average rating of 8.2 for the overall experience and an 8.8 for accessibility of the area. It is also the site that the highest share of Dutch people would like to visit (again) (44%).
"These results underline the unique position of the Wadden Sea as a place where nature, culture, and heritage come together — and where people feel a deep connection to the landscape", says Sjon de Haan, Dutch Wadden Sea World Heritage Coordinator. As the only natural World Heritage Site in the Netherlands, the Wadden Sea continues to play a leading role in shaping how Dutch people perceive and value World Heritage.