ABSTRACT

Central Limburg in The Netherlands, originally an area with few water resources and with a predominantly agricultural landscape, is in the process of an unprecedented restructuring of its regional economy. This is a geographical revolution of historic proportions as well as a rather unique socio-economic process through which a very intensive recreation infrastructure is being developed. The commercial exploitation of the lakes, beaches, mooring places and ports, the establishment of small- and large-scale hotel and restaurant facilities, sailing and boardsailing courses and the organisation of water sports associations will no doubt evoke an entirely new regional economic structure.