For me, travelling means collecting experiences.
Going out and having experiences adds something to your life. But sharing those experiences with others makes them truly unforgettable. First and foremost, leisure for me means rest. Taking a breather from a busy period. But I don't want it to last too long. I prefer to get back on the road and do things quickly. After all, gaining new experiences gives energy, which helps you to get back in the swing of things.
John van der Heijden
There are many things I like to do in my free time. I love to walk the dog, go out for dinner, grab a terrace or play golf. I prefer to do something different every day, always in a different place. Staying in one and the same place is not an option for me. Also not an option: always going out alone. I find it much more fun to travel together with my partner and children. If you can share beautiful moments with each other, you enjoy them much more.
This is how you reach John
When you can share wonderful moments with one another, you enjoy them so much more.
For me, travelling equals collecting experiences. I like many kinds of destinations and types of holidays. As a result, no two holidays are the same. Exotic places attract me a lot. If I prefer closer holidays, Spain is high on my list. Then I prefer to drive from village to village and discover the cosy streets and atmospheric squares of each village. And then of course end the day with a pleasant evening on the terrace! Such holidays are very relaxing, but you also make me happy with sporty trips. I love to ski and I love to sail. On the waves of the Mediterranean and Caribbean Sea, I experience the ultimate feeling of freedom.
About my role as CFO
Travelling, going on holiday, having free time: it makes a person happy. Nobody gets unhappy from leisure activities. This is exactly why I enjoy working in the tourism sector so much! As CFO, I mainly deal with operations, finance and overall management. My job satisfaction comes mainly from doing business and charting results. I love it when our clients' cities, regions and provinces come under the spotlight. This visibility makes it increasingly easy for people to find the best Dutch spots. In this way, together with our partners, we can properly show what great things the Netherlands has to offer.