It's Amsterdam's latest attempt to curb nuisance tourism.
With “Amsterdam rules” (“The rules of Amsterdam” in French), the city has set up an online quiz recalling the legislation in place in the capital of the Netherlands.
At the same time, she wants to attract a more virtuous tourist and remind people that there are many other reasons to visit the city than consuming alcohol and drugs.
In particular: bachelor parties.
Moreover, when we select this option in response to the question “
What would you like to visit in Amsterdam?”
», an unequivocal message is displayed: “
This may be complicated, it is forbidden to organize stag parties in Amsterdam.
However, there are other things to discover there.
» The user must also indicate if they wish to take part in a guided tour among the sex worker windows.
And there too, a message reminding you of the city's regulations is displayed: “
Sorry to disappoint you, but guided tours are no longer authorized in Amsterdam
.
»
Same questions for pub crawls, exploring the city with a joint (or a drink) in hand or even buying Molly (MDMA) or cocaine.
Other more traditional questions are also asked of the Internet user, such as the number of travelers and place of residence.
And if the user accumulates too many wrong answers, the quiz ends with a warning ("Given your preferences, Amsterdam may not offer the experience you are looking for") and is invited to read the instructions in force in the city.
Currently, the quiz is only available in English, but versions in French, Spanish, Italian and Dutch should be available soon.
Dissuasive measures are increasing in Amsterdam
In detail, users searching for certain queries in a search engine (such as “Amsterdam coffee shops”, “Amsterdam red light district” or even “Amsterdam bachelor party”) will see the quiz displayed via Google Ads.
It remains to be seen whether this new strategy will work.
In recent years, and more particularly in recent months, Amsterdam has stepped up measures against mass tourism and, above all, against certain abuses – notably drug consumption and alcoholism on public roads.
Dissuasive campaign, hunt for coffee shops, increase in the tourist tax or even a ban on smoking cannabis in the Red Light District... The Venice of the North has competed in inventiveness to try to keep out the most party-goers.
Meanwhile, 9 million visitors spent at least one night there in 2023 – an increase of 21% compared to 2022.
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