Amsterdam bans construction of new hotels to fight overtourism

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands has banned the construction of new hotels to battle overtourism. The city’s council in a X post said on Wednesday (April 17), “Our aim is to maintain the city’s livability for both residents and visitors. This entails: combating over-tourism, halting new hotel developments, and capping tourist hotel stays at 20 million annually.”

According to reports, a new hotel will only be built in the tourist capital of Europe if another hotel shuts down. According to a release shared by the city council, if the total sleeping accommodations remain unchanged, and if a new establishment improves upon existing standards, such as enhanced sustainability, then it will be allowed to be built. The new regulation excludes hotels that have already obtained construction permits.

🏨❌ We zegen ‘nee’ tegen nieuwe hotels.

We willen de stad leefbaar maken én houden, voor bewoners en bezoekers. Dat betekent: geen overtoerisme, geen nieuwe hotels erbij, en niet meer dan 20 miljoen hotelovernachtingen door toeristen per jaar. ⤵️https://t.co/VILooYb30j

— Gemeente Amsterdam (@AmsterdamNL) April 17, 2024

The city has been actively pursuing measures to curb tourist influx, which reaches millions annually, primarily by discouraging sex and drug-related tourism in its red-light district.

Intentions of tourists visiting the Dutch capital have been repeatedly questioned by locals. In 2023, a staggering 49.7 million guests chose accommodations in hotels, campsites, and holiday parks across The Netherlands. This marked an 8.1 percent surge compared to 2022, setting a new record.

Also read | Top 10 city destinations of 2023: Paris was most-visited place, No 2 will surprise you

It has set a new threshold of 20 million as the maximum number of overnight hotels stays by tourists the city is prepared to accommodate each year.

Often hailed as a paradise for sex enthusiasts, The Netherlands is one of the most popular global sex tourism destinations. Prostitution is legal and regulated in the country. De Wallen in Amsterdam stands out as the largest and most famous red-light district, attracting international sex tourists seeking cubicle-based experiences.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow