In Amsterdam, residents and the government are fighting against mass tourism. A regulation now means that strict measures are taking effect.
Munich – The Dutch capital Amsterdam has decided on further measures to combat mass tourism. That's why the city administration is now saying "no to new hotels," according to a statement. The city's list of measures is long.
Amsterdam government adopts measures against mass tourism
Around three years ago in June, residents of Amsterdam launched the popular initiative “Amsterdam has the choice”. The aim was to reduce mass tourism. The city administration then passed the “Tourism in Balance Amsterdam” ordinance. Since then, it has been mandatory for the government to intervene when the number of visitors per year exceeds 18 million. The upper limit for tourists is now 20 million overnight stays annually.
In 2023 alone, the city recorded around 21 million hotel overnight stays, not counting overnight stays in holiday apartments, bed and breakfasts and on cruise ships. That's why the city administration says it is now taking action. In Italy, too, several holiday regions are taking action against mass tourism.
In another statement, the city administration emphasizes that tourism in Amsterdam must not become a nuisance for residents. To prevent this, the city has adopted a series of measures to counteract the development of mass tourism. The goal is a “balance between the number of visitors and quality of life for the residents”.
Measures by the city of Amsterdam against mass tourism
“Fighting” “annoying” bachelor parties and organized pub crawls
Limit river cruises
Hotels are transforming into buildings with residential or office functions
New hotels only under certain conditions
Ban on new tourist shops
Restriction on vacation rentals
Closing times of restaurants
Smoking ban in parts of the city center
Image campaign since 2023
In view of the high number of tourists last year, the government has now taken further steps to curb mass tourism. There was already a ban on new tourist businesses and a restriction on holiday rentals and new hotels. Now the regulations for new hotels have been tightened again.
Amsterdam decides: New hotels only under certain conditions
The guidelines for hotels were already strict. In 2017, only three plans for new hotels met the city's requirements, city officials said. However, new hotels are still under construction as many have already received their permits for them. Therefore, 26 hotel projects remain active.
Things will now become even more difficult for future hotel founders as the measures have been tightened again. “A new hotel may only be built under certain conditions if a hotel elsewhere closes,” explains the city administration. The number of sleeping places may not be increased. The hotel must also be more modern and/or sustainable. Otherwise a new building is impossible. In addition, the city advises hotel owners to choose a location outside the city center.
Government in Amsterdam criticized: Companies “abuse the city’s image”
Amsterdam is known as a “free and open city” that enjoys sharing its cultural wealth with visitors from all over the world. In recent years, however, this freedom has been exploited for commercial purposes, according to the city administration. Companies “abuse the city’s image and sell Amsterdam as a place of limitless possibilities.” This gives tourists the impression that everything is possible and allowed in Amsterdam. The measures are intended to help correct this image.
The fight against mass tourism is currently a leading issue not only in the Netherlands. New rules also apply to tourists on beaches in Greece. In Venice, on the other hand, visitors now have to pay admission at certain times.
(bk)