Economic impact of Tour de France Femmes in Rotterdam

Economic impact of Tour de France Femmes in Rotterdam

ROTTERDAM, 5 November 2024 – The Tour de France Femmes marked its presence in Rotterdam with remarkable impact, drawing substantial crowds and uplifting the city’s image through sport. A recent study reflects the significance of this international event’s societal and economic contributions.

Tour de France Femmes highly rated by visitors and locals

The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (TdFF), which took place from 11 to 13 August 2024, has been well-received by attendees and residents of Rotterdam. According to research conducted by Cigarbox Impact Advisory and R2 Research, commissioned by Rotterdam Topsport, the event attracted 415,000 visitors across various stages in Rotterdam, The Hague, and Dordrecht, leading to an average rating of 8.9. This level of appreciation is unprecedented for a sporting event in Rotterdam, reflecting both the popularity of women’s cycling and the city's growing appeal as a sports venue.

The TdFF also served as a platform for societal impact, initiating efforts to promote cycling among diverse groups. This has left a lasting positive effect on local communities, with initiatives encouraging participation in sports and cycling-related activities.

Setting new standards in women’s cycling

Rotterdam, alongside its partner cities, was chosen as the setting for the first international stages of the Tour de France Femmes. Christian Prudhomme, the director of the Tour, praised the enthusiasm shown by attendees, remarking on the impressive support and attendance along the course. The event’s reach stands as a testament to the city’s ability to host major international sports events.

In comparison with other grand cycling events hosted in Rotterdam, the TdFF has carved its own space. The city saw substantial engagement in previous races like the Giro d’Italia in 2016, which attracted 482,000 day visits, and the Vuelta in 2022, with 620,000 visitors. The Tour de France Femmes has similarly bolstered women’s cycling by receiving broad visibility and support in Rotterdam.

High visitor satisfaction and broad media exposure

The high satisfaction levels among visitors were attributed not only to the races but also to the vibrant side events, which added depth to the overall experience. International media coverage featured iconic imagery of Rotterdam, broadcast to an estimated 550 million viewers in 190 countries, thus highlighting the city’s unique character on a global stage.

The event’s audience was notably diverse, with 52% of attendees being women and 48% men. The demographic split showed that 20% of visitors were from Rotterdam, 45% from Zuid-Holland, 25% from other regions of the Netherlands, and 10% from abroad.

Positive reception among Rotterdam residents

Rotterdammers have shown solid support for the TdFF, with a majority expressing positive views on the city’s role as host. According to a poll by Gemeentepeiler, 70% of residents felt pride in the event, while 63% believed the city had presented itself uniquely to an international audience.

Efforts to make the event accessible were well-received, particularly among visitors with mobility needs. Survey results indicate that 85% of these attendees found the event locations accessible, and 77% felt comfortable moving through the spaces provided. Local ratings averaged 7.5, with slightly lower scores reflecting that not all residents followed the event closely but still supported its presence.

Economic impact on Rotterdam: €12.2 million

The Tour de France Femmes 2024 generated an economic impact of approximately €12.2 million for Rotterdam, driven by spending from out-of-town visitors who frequented restaurants, participated in local activities, and shopped. Notably, 85% of the event attendees stated they would not have visited Rotterdam if not for the TdFF. This level of impact positions the TdFF as one of the more influential sports events recently hosted in the city.

Societal initiatives alongside the TdFF

Beyond the official race, the TdFF’s community-centred activities encouraged more residents to cycle, in some cases for the first time. Several initiatives underscored the event’s broader societal contributions:

  • Cycling Festival on 11 August: The event drew 14,000 visitors, with 3,500 participants in organised rides. Many attendees were inspired to integrate cycling into their routines.
  • Neighbourhood Cycling Festivals: Six local neighbourhood events saw 3,500 Rotterdam residents participate in cycling activities.
  • Rotterdam Cycling on Tour: A schools programme reached 8,500 students, teaching cycling skills and road safety across multiple cities, including Rotterdam, The Hague, and Dordrecht.
  • Rotterdam Peloton: This project taught 154 women from Rotterdam, primarily from migrant backgrounds, to ride bicycles, giving them confidence to cycle independently.

These activities underscore how events like the TdFF can drive long-term social impact by fostering inclusion and encouraging physical activity within the community.

Alderman Faouzi Achbar reflects on the TdFF’s legacy

Alderman Faouzi Achbar, who oversees welfare, community affairs, sport, and digital inclusion, noted that the TdFF highlighted Rotterdam’s capacity to host large-scale international events with inclusivity in mind. He emphasised the city’s commitment to accessibility, ensuring that people with various needs could enjoy the event. He also expressed optimism about the potential for similar events to foster more inclusive, community-focused experiences in Rotterdam’s future.

 

 

Rotterdam’s €1.9M boost for harbour shore power

Rotterdam’s €1.9M boost for harbour shore power

ROTTERDAM, 25 October 2024 – A new subsidy from the City of Rotterdam aims to encourage harbour businesses to install shore power systems, advancing the city’s environmental goals. With this funding initiative, Rotterdam continues its efforts to reduce air pollution, noise, and greenhouse gas emissions in the harbour area.

Shore power funding to reduce pollution and noise

The Rotterdam municipality is offering a total of €1.94 million in subsidies to harbour businesses willing to install shore power systems, which provide electricity to moored vessels. This subsidy programme follows an earlier initiative that funded feasibility studies for shore power installations (walstroom). By switching to shore power, vessels avoid running onboard generators, reducing both noise and emissions of CO₂ and nitrogen.

According to Rotterdam Alderman Robert Simons (Port), the subsidy aims to lower financial barriers for businesses and speed up the rollout of shore power in the harbour. “Shore power improves air quality and reduces noise pollution. With this new programme, we want to help businesses overcome financial obstacles and accelerate the implementation of shore power,” Simons stated.

Targeting shore power at all public quays by 2030

The City of Rotterdam and the Port Authority have committed to equipping all public quays with shore power by 2030, with the goal of enabling at least 90 per cent of visiting vessels to connect to these systems. Shore power helps vessels reduce reliance on traditional fuel sources, contributing to Rotterdam’s broader environmental targets.

Subsidy details and eligibility requirements

Businesses in the Rotterdam harbour area can apply for up to €970,000 per project from the total subsidy fund. The subsidy is intended to cover various costs associated with shore power installation, including technical components, grid connections, engineering, project management, and realisation expenses.

Applications for the subsidy are open until 6 December 2024. Companies that have already conducted successful feasibility studies will be contacted individually regarding their eligibility for funding. Applicants must submit a detailed action plan, including a timeline and budget, to be considered.

Citizens' Assembly offers climate advice in Rotterdam

Citizens' Assembly offers climate advice in Rotterdam

ROTTERDAM, 22 October 2024 – Rotterdam’s first Citizens’ Assembly on climate change has presented its recommendations to the city’s government. The assembly, composed of randomly selected residents, aimed to provide solutions for achieving local climate goals.

Citizens’ Assembly presents recommendations for climate action

Rotterdam’s first Burgerberaad (Citizens’ Assembly) has concluded its climate discussions, presenting a set of 22 recommendations to Chantal Zeegers, the alderwoman for Climate, Housing, and Building. The assembly, which began in April 2024, involved a diverse group of local residents chosen by lottery to represent the city. The participants were tasked with considering how Rotterdam could achieve its climate targets, drawing from their own experiences, insights, and extensive discussions.

Of the 22 recommendations, 10 achieved an 80% approval threshold set by the assembly. These accepted proposals include strategies such as reducing light pollution, increasing education on climate issues for youth, and expanding green spaces in the city. Other key recommendations focus on promoting sustainable reuse of waste materials, encouraging the use of rainwater, and reducing litter. The idea of the municipality taking a more active role as a shareholder in climate improvement efforts also received support.

Highlighted recommendations

Some of the top recommendations from the Citizens' Assembly are:

  • Reducing light pollution
  • Promoting youth education on climate change
  • Expanding green spaces in Rotterdam (Rotterdam vergroent)
  • Sustainable use of waste streams
  • Municipal involvement as a shareholder in climate initiatives
  • Creating a central climate information platform
  • Encouraging rainwater reuse
  • Making waste reuse more accessible
  • Addressing litter
  • Developing climate-adaptive green housing


A collective effort for Rotterdam’s future

Chantal Zeegers praised the recommendations, stating that they provide the city with a valuable opportunity to better align its climate strategy with the needs and wishes of its residents. “It is inspiring to see such concrete advice coming from the Citizens' Assembly, and even more so to witness how this group came together to contribute something meaningful to our city,” said Zeegers.

The assembly’s composition reflected Rotterdam’s diversity, ensuring that multiple perspectives were considered. As a result, the recommendations are expected to address the varied needs and living conditions of the city’s population. “The assembly has shown that a randomly selected group of citizens can deliver valuable and practical advice on complex issues,” added Zeegers.

Looking ahead

Following the submission of the recommendations, the city’s executive board will now develop proposals for implementation. These proposals, along with the recommendations, will be submitted to the municipal council in early 2025 for review. The council is expected to make decisions on which recommendations to adopt. Subsequently, city officials will begin executing the selected proposals. Achieving the city’s 2030 and 2050 climate goals will require collaboration between all stakeholders, including the port and local industries.

Zeegers emphasised the importance of taking the next steps: “The Citizens’ Assembly has given us strong recommendations, and now we need to translate these into concrete actions. This is the beginning of a crucial phase where we, as a municipality, must demonstrate our commitment to the perspectives of our residents.”

Participants’ experiences

Several participants expressed their positive experiences with the process. Femi, one of the participants, commented: “The Citizens’ Assembly on climate was a great initiative to involve ordinary citizens in addressing such an existential issue. It gave us the opportunity to contribute to a climate-resilient Rotterdam.”

Yasmin, another participant, said, “The Citizens’ Assembly was completely out of my comfort zone, but working with fellow residents on an issue for our city was much more enjoyable than I expected! It’s a shame it’s over, but I’m proud to have contributed.”

Tolga echoed similar sentiments: “I think it’s really valuable that the municipality is listening to the community and taking our advice seriously. Personally, it was a great opportunity to be involved in the decision-making process for climate issues in Rotterdam. I would love to do it again in the future and would recommend it to anyone who feels passionate about this topic.”

Rotterdam reserves 33,000 m² for industry in Feijenoord

Rotterdam reserves 33,000 m² for industry in Feijenoord

ROTTERDAM, 23 October 2024 – Rotterdam's municipality is set to preserve space for manufacturing industries on the former Hunter Douglas site in Feijenoord, ensuring at least 33,000 m² of business space is included in redevelopment plans. This decision reflects a broader effort to maintain sufficient industrial areas in the city while supporting local jobs and economic growth.

Rotterdam preserves space for manufacturing on former Hunter Douglas site

The Municipality of Rotterdam has decided to allow the redevelopment of the former Hunter Douglas site in Feijenoord, under the condition that a minimum of 33,000 m² of business space is dedicated to the manufacturing industry. This measure ensures space for industrial activities, which are seen as vital for Rotterdam’s economy. According to Robert Simons, Alderman for Economic Affairs, this decision aligns with the city’s commitment to maintaining sufficient business space. "We are fulfilling our promise to keep enough industrial areas available in Rotterdam. By setting this condition, we provide the necessary space for the manufacturing sector, which is crucial not only for our economy but also for the jobs of Rotterdammers," Simons stated.

A strategic redevelopment

The decision to redevelop the site follows the closure of aluminium sunshade production by Hunter Douglas in 2020. Since then, the vast industrial area on the Piekstraat in Feijenoord has remained vacant, awaiting a new purpose. Discussions have been ongoing between the municipality and 3G Capital, the site’s owner, to establish clear guidelines for the future use of the area. Now, with the municipality’s conditions in place, including the minimum space allocation for businesses, the future of the site is secured.

The Hunter Douglas site is one of the last inner-city, water-adjacent locations with a higher environmental category (HMC). Its proximity to the water makes it particularly suitable for the maritime manufacturing industry, a sector regarded as essential to both the local and national economy. Under the municipality's requirements, at least 18,000 m² of the site will be allocated to environmental category 3.1 industries, ensuring that the land remains attractive for higher-impact businesses.

A shift in strategy for industrial land use

In recent years, many industrial sites in Rotterdam have been transformed for residential purposes. The decision to earmark the Hunter Douglas site largely for manufacturing represents a notable shift in strategy. Through its Business Space Action Plan (Actieplan Bedrijfsruimte), the municipality aims to safeguard adequate space for the manufacturing sector within the city. Skilled labour is expected to remain in high demand, particularly as the city transitions towards more sustainable energy solutions. “This decision directly supports that need and offers opportunities for local entrepreneurs,” added Simons.

Directions to the former Hunter Douglas site

The former Hunter Douglas site is located on Piekstraat in the Feijenoord district, an area known for its waterfront views and industrial heritage. Situated near the Nieuwe Maas river, the site is easily accessible by car or public transport. Feijenoord itself is well-connected, offering both tram and bus services to the surrounding districts. It is also close to key maritime and industrial areas in Rotterdam, making it an ideal location for businesses requiring water access.

Walk-in sessions bring port careers closer to locals

Walk-in sessions bring port careers closer to locals

ROTTERDAM, 16 October 2024 – The municipality of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority have launched a pilot project to bring the city's port and job opportunities closer to local residents. New walk-in sessions at neighbourhood hubs aim to make the port more accessible to the public.

Municipality and port authority open walk-in sessions in Rotterdam-Zuid

In a joint initiative to connect Rotterdam residents with opportunities in the city's port, the Municipality of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam Authority have introduced a new pilot project. This effort, now available at the neighbourhood hub (wijkhub) in Pendrecht-Zuidwijk, follows the success of similar walk-in sessions held across various neighbourhoods. The sessions were officially launched by Robert Simons, Alderman for Ports and Economy, alongside Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority.

Engaging residents with the port through neighbourhood hubs

The ‘walk-in sessions in neighbourhood hubs’ pilot is part of an ongoing effort by the Port of Rotterdam Authority, in partnership with the municipality and other stakeholders, to foster direct communication with residents. The sessions provide an accessible platform for citizens to ask questions, share concerns, or present ideas about the port’s operations. Previous pilots in Hoek van Holland and Charlois have served as precursors to this initiative.

In Pendrecht-Zuidwijk, the walk-in sessions are a collaborative effort with the Municipality of Rotterdam, as part of the broader Human Capital Coalition for Energy Transition. The hub has been hosting these sessions since August 2024, specifically serving the residents of Rotterdam-Zuid.

Walk-in sessions bring port careers closer to localsWalk-in sessions bring port careers closer to locals

Career opportunities highlighted with 'banenwijzer'

The walk-in sessions have drawn considerable interest, with dozens of visitors attending the first five events. During these sessions, residents are introduced to the 'banenwijzer', a job-matching tool available on the platform Werkeninderotterdamsehaven.nl. This platform provides a clear overview of career opportunities within the port, allowing jobseekers to connect directly with potential employers. Staff from the Port of Rotterdam Authority are on hand to assist residents in navigating the banenwijzer and linking them to employment opportunities.

Local leaders highlight the significance of the initiative

Robert Simons, Alderman for Ports and Economy, expressed his support for the initiative, stating, “I am very pleased with the launch of the walk-in sessions. This gives us the opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the port and our city while attracting new talent—crucial for the energy transition. The Rotterdam port offers excellent opportunities for work and personal growth, and with these walk-in sessions, we bring those opportunities directly to the people of Rotterdam.”

Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, echoed Simons' sentiments. “It is vital for the Port of Rotterdam to engage with the local community in a balanced way. These sessions provide a visible and accessible platform for residents of the city and the surrounding region to learn more about our work. We hope to inspire more people to consider careers in the port.”

Location and directions

The walk-in sessions at the Pendrecht-Zuidwijk neighbourhood hub are part of ongoing efforts to engage residents of Rotterdam-Zuid. The hub is located in the southern part of the city, easily accessible by public transport and local cycling routes. Pendrecht-Zuidwijk is a predominantly residential area, known for its community initiatives and proximity to key parts of Rotterdam's industrial areas.

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