Amsterdam (Netherlands' capital city) is taking decisive action to alleviate the strain of over-tourism by significantly reducing the number of riverboat cruises permitted to dock in downtown. As part of a comprehensive plan comprising "a hundred" measures, the city aims to curtail the influx of cruise ships to its waterfront.
In 2021, along the city's waterfront docked ~2300 cruise vessels, prompting officials to implement measures to reduce the number by 2028 to 1150. This reduction would translate to a decrease in tourist numbers by 271,000 and could impact the region's economy by EUR 73.5 million annually.
The challenges posed by these vessels are especially pronounced during the spring bulb season, when up to 1000 riverboats converge in the capital, according to city finance chief Hester van Buren who said they were committed to maintaining tourist numbers below 20 million annually.
Research commissioned by the city indicates that this measure would also result in ~200,000 fewer hotel nights booked in Amsterdam and reduce coach travel by 64,400 km.
However, hoteliers caution that they may need to seek alternative sources of tourism to fill their vacancies.
In addition to curbing riverboat voyages, Amsterdam has initiated the second phase of its "stay away" campaign, aimed at discouraging budget tourists who visit the city primarily for recreational drug use. The city has also raised tourist taxes to some of the highest levels globally.
Furthermore, research examining the impact of ocean-going cruises is underway, with findings expected to be published before summer. These findings will inform potential measures to reduce the impact of such cruises on Amsterdam's tourism landscape.