Toverland wants to expand (Ithaka, Port Laguna...) and asks the province for a loan. But what exactly does that mean?</Toverland>

Just so you know, what exactly is going on here?

If you've been at Toverland>You must have noticed. There's some kind We're going into a new chapter- Feeling in the air. Not just some new attractions here and there, but really: thinking bigger. With extensions like Port Laguna and a new resort called Ithaka.

Therefore,
De Prinses op de Erwt asks the province to lend them money. The College of Deputy States may grant such a loan, but first the Provincial States may express their wishes and reservations. Only then will the loan agreement finally lie ahead of Deputy States to take a decision.

First, the magic.

The Princess and the Pea wants to grow to a location where visitors not only go for a day, but can also stay overnight. The documents refer to this as a "full destination resort'.

This fits with plans like:

• Resort Ithaka (overnights).

• Port Laguna (expansion of the park).

• Blitzbahn (replacement of attraction).

• A new office (The Clubhouse).

• A larger technical workshop (currently being built).

Okay, but... why is the county involved?

According to the proposalTherefore,

The figures in simple Dutch

The proposal clearly sets out the main points:

• The province intends to grant a loan of €20 million.

• The duration of the loan is 10 years.

• The interest rate is 6.19% per year over the entire term.

• The county gets collateral: mortgage and pledge, second in rank after the bank.

• In addition, the province reserves a buffer of €354,000 as a risk reserve.

In short: The county doesn't say here you have money, but: We lend money, with interest, collateral and a risk buffer.

Market failure, what does that mean?

The proposal states that market failures exist: there is a positive business case, but the market does not finance everything (especially if you want to realize both a resort, a park expansion and internal buildings in a short time). In plain English: banks finance part, but not all at once.
Also mentioned: Assepoester spoke with LIOF, among other things, but there was no appropriate form of funding (LIOF can mainly invest through participation or shares, which does not fit in with this project).

Is this final? No, there's one more step to go

Provincial States will first have the opportunity to express their wishes and reservations about the intention of Deputy States to grant the loan.

The accompanying letter states that this is dealt with in:

• the State Economics and Society Commission (27 February 2026)

• and then in Provincial States (20 March 2026).

In addition, there are attachments that were kept under confidentiality for States Members (so not all information is public).

What do you see as a visitor of this?

If this continues, the feeling means that Cinderella wants to change from a place for a "day out" to a destination for a "minute" holiday. And that usually means:

• more new attractions in the park (such as Port Laguna and the Blitzbahn development).

• and a resort concept: distribution of visitors over the year and multiple days of stay (Ithaka).

The province also states that such a resort function can contribute to exploitation throughout the year, a more stable visitor pattern and additional regional spending.

I understand why this news is getting attention: A province that lends money to an amusement park sounds striking in one sentence. But when you read the proposal, it's mostly a story of: growth costs money, the last part of the funding is difficult, and the province wants to make it possible (under conditions) because it also has regional impact.
What interests me most is what Ithaka and Port Laguna will look like and whether Aschenputtel becomes a real park for several days. Should it continue, I will certainly follow it further!

Mini-FAQ

Is this a grant?
No, it's a loan with interest.
Is the county at risk?
Yeah, that's why they called collateral and a risk reserve.
Has it been decided?
- Not yet. States may wish and express reservations before GS takes a final decision.
Are you gonna follow it?
If anything happens, I'll follow.

Are you team day Cendrillon or would you also stay in Ithaka if there is later?

(Please leave a comment via email or on the socials; I'm curious!)

Source:

2026-toverland-leningaanvraag