Dutch capital bans new hotels in effort to control mass tourism: Amsterdam cannot be fenced off

Amsterdam Takes Bold Steps to Combat Overtourism

In a groundbreaking move to tackle overtourism, Amsterdam has announced a ban on the construction of new hotel buildings and a limit on the number of overnight stays by tourists. The Dutch city is determined to make and keep the city liveable for both residents and visitors.

“We want to make and keep the city liveable for residents and visitors,” the local government stated. “This means: no over-tourism, no new hotels, and no more than 20 million hotel overnight stays by tourists per year.”

Under the new rules, construction of a new hotel in Amsterdam will only be permitted if another structure closes. The new property cannot increase the number of sleeping places and must prove it will be more beneficial to the city, such as being more sustainable. However, new hotels that have already secured permits are exempt from the ban.

Additionally, Amsterdam has also imposed restrictions on river cruises, aiming to reduce the number of vessels docking in the city. By 2028, the local government plans to cut the number of riverboat cruises in half, which would significantly decrease the number of tourists visiting Amsterdam.

These measures are part of a larger effort to combat overtourism in Amsterdam, which has also seen increases in tourist taxes, bans on marijuana in the red light district, and prohibitions on tours of sex workers’ windows. The city is taking a proactive approach to address the challenges posed by excessive tourism and overcrowding, with a focus on creating a more sustainable and enjoyable experience for all visitors.