GIBF E Magazine AUG-SEPT-2019 GIBF The Business Tycoons Magazine Aug-Sept | Page 28

Culture
The culture of the Netherlands is diverse,
reflecting regional differences as well as the
foreign influences built up by centuries of the
Dutch people's mercantile and explorative spirit.
The Netherlands and its people have long played
an important role as centre of cultural liberalism
and tolerance.
A prime traditional festivity in the Netherlands is Sint Nicolaas or Sinterklaas. It is celebrated
on the evening before Sinterklaas' birthday on December 5, especially in families with little
children. Sinterklaas has a companion known as Zwarte Piet, which in recent years has come
under scrutiny in light of accusations of racist caricatures. In the United States the original figure
of Dutch Sinterklaas has merged with Father Christmas into Santa Claus. In the Netherlands, gift-
bringing at Christmas has in recent decades gained some popularity too, although Sinterklaas is
much more popular.
Transportation
The main public transport in the Netherlands for longer distances is by train.
Long-distance buses are limited to a few missing railway connections.
Regional and local public transport is by bus, and in some cities by metro and
tram.
Both regional and city public transport bus services can be found throughout
the country. Because of the extensive rail network, long-distance bus services
are limited to a few connections where train connections are missing or would
require a considerable detour. In the Randstad area lines with a high frequency
and higher average speed have been branded as R-Net. These lines all use the
same colour scheme, regardless of the company operating the line.
All bus operations are awarded by a transport authority to companies by a
public tender. The concessions can last up to 10 years, with extensions of a few
years if the transport authority is satisfied.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, located 9 km (5.6 mi) southwest of Amsterdam, is the main
international airport in the Netherlands, Schiphol is the primary hub for Dutch flag carrier
airline KLM and its regional affiliate KLM Cityhopper, as well as for other Dutch airlines
Corendon Dutch Airlines, Martinair, Transavia and TUI Airlines Netherlands.