Amsterdam’s local authority has launched a new online campaign to tackle nuisance tourism targeting visitors between the age of 18 and 35. The city, which is expecting over 18 million overnight visitors this year, is determined to maintain a balance between welcoming tourists and preventing excessive tourism and nuisance.
Campaign Targets British Tourists
The new campaign is particularly aimed at British tourists who come to Amsterdam for short breaks of debauchery. Visitors searching for terms such as “stag party Amsterdam”, “cheap hotel Amsterdam” or “pub crawl Amsterdam” will see ads discouraging them from visiting. The adverts warn against the consequences of excessive drinking, drug use, and antisocial behavior in the city. If British tourists are found causing trouble, they may face a €140 fine or a criminal record, which could hamper their future prospects.
Campaign Videos Highlight Potential Dangers
The campaign videos show young men getting arrested and unconscious people being rushed to the hospital, which highlights the potential dangers of misbehavior. The campaign titled “How to Amsterdam” will alert tourists about the ban on urinating in public, buying drugs from street dealers, causing too much noise, etc. Hotels will also be armed with information on responsible tourism.
Measures Against Excessive Tourism
Apart from launching the campaign, the city council is also taking measures against excessive tourism and nuisance. Specifically, it plans to reduce nuisance tourism in the city center by talking with bachelor party providers and considering applying a tourist tax. Establishments will have stricter closing times and bans on alcohol sales for specific areas.
Deputy Mayor Mbarki’s Views
Sofyan Mbarki, deputy mayor for economic affairs and the inner city, says that visitors remain welcome but not if they misbehave and cause nuisance. He added that limitations will be implemented instead of irresponsible growth. The city council adopted the “Visitor Economy 2035 Vision” to confront excessive tourism and nuisance.
Potential Expansion of Campaign
Although the campaign is currently targeted at British tourists, it may be expanded to include other European countries and age groups. Additionally, the city proposed several measures to cut nuisance and crime in the Red Light District, including banning smoking cannabis in the street and enforcing earlier closing times for bars, clubs, and sex work establishments.
Spain’s Similar Battle With Excessive Tourism
The excessive tourism problem is not confined to Amsterdam alone. Several Spanish cities have also battled nuisance tourism over the years. For example, in 2016, Mojacar banned unruly and offensive costumes as well as excessive drunkenness in an effort to curb excessive tourism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Amsterdam has taken a proactive approach to address the issues of excessive tourism, particularly targeted towards British tourists in the age group of 18-35. The campaign is designed to educate visitors about responsible behavior while preserving the city’s charm as a tourist destination. As more cities grapple with similar problems, Amsterdam’s approach could serve as a model for others looking to balance welcoming tourists with maintaining quality of life for residents.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
