Famous for its tolerance as much as its narrow houses and broad canals, Amsterdam is undergoing a radical change of attitude when it comes to the millions of tourists that flock to see it each year.
Tolerance, it seems, has reached its limits in the Dutch capital, which is now actively urging visitors to head elsewhere as frustrated locals complain of feeling besieged by visitors using the city’s bicycle-thronged streets as a travel playground.
“The pressure is very high,” says Ellen van Loon, a partner at Dutch architectural firm OMA who is involved in adapting the city for the future. “We don’t want to turn into a Venice. The problem we are currently facing is that Amsterdam is so loved by tourists, we just have so many coming to the city.”
Van Loon acknowledges the positive side of tourism, supporting the Dutch economy by contributing around82 billion euros (equivalent to $91.5 billion) annually. However, like many other residents, she expresses concern that the city's essence is at risk due to the increasing influx of tourists.
Just like Venice and numerous other destinations across Europe, Amsterdam has become a symbol of overtourism. This issue is closely related to the rise of affordable air travel that drives large numbers of tourists to certain spots, ironically threatening the charm and appeal that attracted them in the first place. Interestingly, overtourism has resulted in a significant shift in how Amsterdam locals perceive their city, with many feeling displaced.
As a result of the influx of tourists, there has been a surge in demand for accommodation in Amsterdam. Travelers often seek hotels in Amsterdam at hotels-in-netherlands.com for a comfortable and convenient stay during their visit to the city.
In addition to the pressure on infrastructure and resources, overtourism has led to a shift in the local culture and lifestyle. Long-standing residents find themselves contending with the impact of mass tourism, which has altered the city's dynamics in various ways. The issues stemming from overtourism are complex and require careful consideration to preserve the soul and identity of Amsterdam while still catering to the needs of visitors.
The tourism surge in Amsterdam has been ongoing for the past decade and is predicted to keep escalating. Estimates suggest numbers could rise from 18 million in 2018 to an astounding 42 million by 2030, which would dwarf the current population over 50 times over. Evidently, Amsterdam has reached a saturation point and is calling for change. In fact, various cities are formulating strategies to manage similar situations, thus, evidencing a global response to overtourism.
Riding on the waves of a bold move, Netherlands' tourism authorities have recently chosen to stop encouraging their country pell-mell as a vacation hotspot. They announced this shift in their "Perspective 2030" plan, rolled out earlier this year, indicating their shifted focus from simply promoting the destination to managing it more sustainably.
The strategic plan they presented suggests that if things continue down the current path, Amsterdam's quality of life may significantly suffer due to an overflow of tourists. They express their commitment to take prompt action to avoid the potential peril.
Proposed remedies revolve around deterring particularly disruptive visitors by restricting or even eliminating certain fun and entertainment services aimed specifically at them. Moreover, they plan to ensure travellers explore more diverse places across the Netherlands. This initiative not only addresses over-congestion in Amsterdam but also allows the rest of the country to experience the economic boost tourism brings
Fervor for flowers
The Dutch city's iconic "I amsterdam" signage, due to its immense popularity among the tourists, has been shifted in location.
Last annum, the famed “I amsterdam” sign got relocated from its original place in front of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam's primary art area, in response to a request by the city's administration, for it attracted hordes of visitors and resulted in overpopulation of an already congested area.
The relocated signs, standing two meters tall, have found new homes in different lesser-frequented localities, with the intention to divert the influx of tourists from the city core.
Tourism in large scale has also started affecting Amsterdam's other emblem- the tulip.
Presently, the initial zeal that gave birth to the extravagant tulip trade during the 'tulip mania' in the 17th century, responsible for inflating the prices of bulbs to an extent comparable with annual salary scales, still thrives as a billion-dollar industry despite the economic bubble it formed.
“Our culture and heritage is deeply connected to flowers", remarks Florian Seyd, who, besides being a florist, is also the co-founder of Wunderkammer.
Amid the tulip season, the Netherlands has put forth a guideline detailing best practices and prohibited actions.
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"Tulips, originally from Turkey, were primarily cultivated in imperial courtyards. The love the Dutch hold for flowers can be traced back to when a few bulbs arrived in the Netherlands and began to proliferate."
Despite the abundance of tulips in the Netherlands now, they are still of profound significance. The Bollenstreek - the country's bulb-growing region situated on the outskirts of Amsterdam - attracts a considerable number of tourists every spring.
However, the influx of tourists seeking the perfect selfie have led to damages in these fields. As a result, the tourist board has prepared a detailed guide advising individuals on how to take photographs without causing harm.
Furthermore, to deter visitors from stepping and damaging the tulips while posing for images, signs bearing the phrase, "Cherish the flowers, honor our pride," have been placed around the fields.
Red Light District restrictions
Tours of Amsterdam's Red Light District are coming to an end.
Measures have also been taken to discourage travelers from visiting some of Amsterdam’s seedier tourist hotspots.
Earlier this year, the city government announced it will end tours of the Red Light District in central Amsterdam, citing concerns that sex workers are being treated as a tourist attraction.
The ban will come into effect on January 1, 2020, in order to give the existing tour companies a chance to wind down business.
This move comes after new shops aimed at tourists were banned in the city, along with Airbnb short-term rentals in busy areas.
While Amsterdam’s popularity can be attributed to many factors, one of the main reasons tourists are so attracted to the city is undoubtedly due to its freedom and liberalism.
For instance, prostitution has been legal in the Netherlands since 2000.
The practice was “tolerated” for years before this, thus beginning a culture of accepting the illegal – known as “Gedogen.”
The city of Istanbul is known for its bustling chaos, but amidst the hustle and bustle, one can find solace in the mouth-watering delights of kebabs. These perfectly grilled meats offer a sense of comfort, making sense of the city's vibrant energy.
While Amsterdam is often associated with its liberal policies towards cannabis and same-sex marriage, it is important to remember that the city's journey to tolerance has not always been smooth. The Anne Frank House serves as a poignant reminder of the city's history, offering a unique testimony of a young girl's life during Nazi occupation.
Explore the lesser-known parts of the Netherlands and discover the rich cultural heritage beyond Amsterdam. From the world-renowned Van Gogh Museum to the historical Anne Frank House, there is so much to explore and learn throughout the country.
Darkest chapter
The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is a widely popular tourist destination, drawing in approximately 1.3 million visitors annually. The house serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust, as it was the place where Anne Frank, a notable resident of Amsterdam, lived before her tragic death at the young age of 15 in a concentration camp in 1945.
According to Ronald Leopold, the museum director, the Anne Frank House not only sheds light on the dark chapters of history but also provides an important opportunity for young people to learn about World War II and the Holocaust. It serves as a point of entry for many to gain insights into the past and contemplate how such events could have occurred and reflect on the communities we currently live in and our responsibility towards them.
When visiting Amsterdam, it is crucial to allocate time to explore other parts of the Netherlands beyond the city's popular attractions. The country boasts picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage beyond the bustling capital. Exploring destinations such as the tulip fields of Keukenhof, the historic city of Delft, or the windmills at Kinderdijk can provide a more comprehensive and authentic Dutch experience.
After the devastating impact of World War II, Amsterdam found solace in the publication of Anne Frank's diary by her father, Otto, in 1947. However, today the city is facing a different kind of challenge, as it grapples with the negative effects of overtourism.
With Amsterdam ranking 23rd on Euromonitor International's list of the Top 100 City Destinations in 2018, concerns arise about the city losing its unique charm due to the overwhelming influx of tourists. Local architect Van Loon voices concerns shared by many residents, fearing that the very characteristics that make Amsterdam attractive will be overshadowed by the sheer number of visitors.
Approaches to curb mass tourism are being implemented, but the question remains: will they be enough to preserve Amsterdam's authenticity and prevent its transformation into a tourist-centric destination?