Amsterdam imposes restrictions on new hotels and limits overnight tourists

Trips to Europe are expected to become more affordable for US travelers, as airlines are gearing up to introduce new non-stop routes to various European destinations. According to the Wall Street Journal, the increased demand for transatlantic flights has prompted airlines like United, Lufthansa, and JetBlue to cater to the needs of American customers.

Research conducted by Newser shows that the cost of transatlantic flights to Europe in March is averaging around $500, making it an ideal time to book for budget-conscious travelers. Flights to southern European cities such as Athens, Madrid, and Lisbon are slightly more expensive compared to last year, with prices up by 20%.

Experts suggest that October and November 2024 will be the best time to book flights to Europe, as there is expected to be a significant drop in demand compared to the busy summer months. Gunnar Olson of Thrifty Traveler likened the situation to a hangover for airlines after a bustling summer season, making them eager to fill seats at discounted rates.

In other news, Amsterdam is taking steps to combat overtourism by implementing strict regulations on the development of new hotels and limiting the number of overnight stays in the city to 20 million per year. The city aims to maintain a balance between accommodating tourists and preserving the quality of life for residents. These measures are part of Amsterdam’s ongoing efforts to address the challenges posed by mass tourism and ensure sustainable growth in the tourism sector.