The holiday season increasingly brings the challenge of overtourism in metropolises such as Barcelona, Venice or Amsterdam, where the number of tourists far exceeds the reception capacity. In this context, Amsterdam has already started to implement innovative solutions to limit mass tourism.
With around 22 million overnight stays in 2023, the Dutch capital is increasingly faced with the challenge of managing an overwhelming number of visitors. Residents are increasingly expressing their displeasure with the suffocating congestion and demanding drastic measures against tourists.
In a Deutsche Welle (DW) report (VIDEO)they mentioned: “The city was once great, but it’s gotten worse and it’s a shame.” Others have suggested a ban on eating on the street, under the pretext that “it’s not nice” to see people sitting on the stairs with food in hand.
Many voices also believe that the sale of drugs to foreigners in cafes should be restricted, a sensitive topic also brought up by Dingerman Coumou, president of the Civic Initiative “enough is enough”. He emphasized that tourists come to buy “marijuana cookies” seen on TikTok, often queuing, which would contribute to congestion in the city.
In response, local authorities began to enact a number of restrictions, such as limiting the number of short-term rental homes and setting a nightly tax among the highest in Europe, among others.
Amsterdam choked with tourists Collage YouTube DW
The drastic measures taken by the Dutch against overtourism
Among the solutions adopted by the Dutch to combat overtourism is the early closing of bars and clubs in Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District.
The administration is also targeting additional measures. An employee of Amsterdam City Hall, Amelie Stens, told DW: “Approvals are no longer given for the construction of new hotels. If there are no more hotels in the city center, the number of tourists will decrease.”
In addition, the plan is to halve the number of river cruises by 2030 to ease pressure on the city.
In order to improve the lives of the residents, the administration purchased properties in the peripheral areas intended for those who want to avoid the congestion in the center. These properties will be transformed into multi-purpose spaces, combining affordable apartments with commercial and leisure areas. The administration hopes that the new concept will bring significant benefits to the community, being aware of the growing demand for housing.
Tourists urged to go home Foto Turism Analitica GRUP
In the Red Light District, a radio station gives residents a platform to voice their grievances, called “No Taboo”. Also, the creative campaign “I live here” displayed photos of residents to highlight the problems caused by over-tourism.
Aware that Amsterdam will continue to be an attractive destination for tourists, the authorities hope to restore a balance between the comfort of locals and the desire of visitors, so that everyone can enjoy the beauties of the city without discomfort.
