Cruise Travel: “Just be. In Holland.”

Are you planning a cruise from Amsterdam? Anyone who has been to Holland knows it is the perfect place to just be amazed, just be relaxed and just be yourself! That’s why the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions (NBTC) is launching its newest marketing campaign on February 4th in North America, “Just be. In Holland.” to appeal to every type of traveler. Whether your style is classic or contemporary, Holland has something for everyone, from iconic Dutch canals and windmills to innovative design shops and cutting-edge fashion.

To mark the launch of this new year-long campaign, NBTC will test potential travelers’ knowledge of Holland through a series of contests on Holland.com. A new contest will be posted every Thursday in February. Each correct online entry will be entered into a weekly drawing for a chance to win an incredible prize that highlights a different aspect of Holland’s unique style. Each week’s prize (one winner per prize) is listed below.

· February 4 contest: Have a fresh bouquet of tulips delivered to your home each month for a year
· February 11 contest: Dazzle your darling (or yourself!) with an exclusive Gassan 121 diamond
· February 18 contest: Cycle through your hometown on a traditional Batavus Dutch bicycle
· February 25 contest: Lounge in style on the Carbon chair designed by Marcel Wanders and Bertjan Pot

In addition to the weekly prizes, one grand prize winner will be awarded the ultimate experience: a chance to just be in Holland! In order to qualify for the grand prize—two round-trip, business class tickets on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to Amsterdam and a 4-night stay at the Sofitel Amsterdam The Grand—potential travelers simply need to upload a photo showing how they would “Just be. In Holland.” between February 4 and March 4, 2010. The most creative entry will be selected.

In addition to the weekly contests running on throughout February, those who live in New York City will have a chance to be transported to Holland via themed subway cars on the S subway shuttle line, which runs between Grand Central and Times Square. Each car—wrapped inside and out—will represent Holland’s cultural, classic and contemporary aspects and include translations of fun Dutch phrases and words. In addition, street teams will be deployed at the Grand Central and Times Square stations each week to distribute Holland-themed giveaways.

Conrad van Tiggelen, Director, NBTC North America, looks forward to engaging with potential travelers for the launch of the new campaign. “The new ‘Just be. In Holland.’ campaign epitomizes what repeat visitors to Holland already know—that Holland is a place where you can truly be yourself and discover a world of authentic and modern experiences, whether you are interested in art, culture, design, fashion or architecture.”

The online promotion runs concurrent with the duration of the wrapped subway shuttle, from February 4th to March 4th, 2010. For more information, including terms and conditions, and for a chance to win, please visit Holland.com.