Amsterdam enacts new measures to combat mass tourism

Those traveling to Amsterdam might soon find the search for accommodations to be much more limited than in previous years, as the Dutch capital’s government begins to take measures against mass tourism in an attempt to improve the quality of residential life in the city.

Amsterdam’s government will begin by raising its tourist tax, an increase that will increase by €105 million each year by 2022. As taxes soar, the number of available short-term Airbnb rentals can be expected to decrease in the city’s tourist hubs, given the government’s movement towards a comprehensive ban of such rentals. Led by a coalition of four parties that collectively aspire to become the city’s ‘new government,’ the restrictions will also extend to beer bikes, Segways, and boat trips. Boats will newly be required to dock outside of city centre. All tour guides hosting boat tours outside of the red light district will also need to acquire a permit to do so.

‘We have to ensure the city stays liveable for all residents,’ GroenLinks green-left party member, Yvette Hofman said. ‘This is a subject that really matters to residents, who have felt under attack by increasing crowds, partly due to Airbnb and illegal hotels. They have complained they no longer know their neighbours and of [a tourist] monoculture in the centre. This is about balance.’