Amsterdam Implements Hotel Construction Ban to Address Overtourism

The local government of Amsterdam has announced a significant measure to tackle overtourism by banning the construction of new hotels in the Netherlands' capital.

The decision, unveiled on April 17, underscores the city's commitment to preserving its livability for both residents and visitors, with a specific target of limiting tourist hotel overnight stays to no more than 20 million per year.

According to the Netherlands government, new hotels in Amsterdam will only be permitted under certain conditions. Construction may proceed if another hotel closes, if the number of sleeping places remains unchanged, or if the new hotel offers improvements, such as enhanced sustainability measures.

However, the new regulations do not apply to hotels that have already secured permits, as clarified by authorities in the country.

The move to curb tourism expansion follows earlier initiatives aimed at managing the city's tourist influx. In 2022, Amsterdam launched the "Stay Away" campaign to discourage certain types of tourism, responding to the city's reputation for liberal policies on drugs, sex, and alcohol.

Recent measures include limiting cannabis use to the Red-Light District and redesigning coffee shops, while plans were unveiled in December 2023 to relocate the Red-Light District to alleviate pressure on the city center. Mayor Femke Halsema proposed establishing an "Erotic Centre" outside the city center, providing more controlled environments for sex workers and reducing the visibility of window brothels to passersby.

The Amsterdam Accord 2022-2026 outlines efforts to reduce the number of windows in the Red-Light District by relocating some establishments to the Erotic Centre, granting sex workers greater autonomy in their work arrangements.

Despite these efforts, Amsterdam remains a favored destination for travelers. Research by VisaGuide.World last year identified Amsterdam as Europe's top capital city destination, surpassing renowned cities like Rome, London, and Paris, reflecting the enduring appeal of the Dutch capital to visitors worldwide.

By fLEXI tEAM