Amsterdam Residents Protest Over Tourism Surge
Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, is facing a growing backlash from its residents against the overwhelming influx of tourists. Over the weekend, locals took to the streets to voice their concerns about the impact of mass tourism on their daily lives. Like many other European cities, Amsterdam is grappling with the challenge of balancing tourism with the quality of life for its residents. The city is now striving to shift towards a new model of tourism that prioritizes fewer, high-spending visitors who stay longer, rather than the current trend of short-term, high-volume tourism.
Residents Rally Against Over-Tourism
The campaign “Het is Genoeg,” which translates to “that’s enough,” has emerged as a rallying cry for Amsterdam residents. This movement gained momentum outside a newly constructed hotel in the city center, which has drawn criticism for its design, likened to a “motorway toilet.” Dingeman Coumou, the organizer of the campaign, expressed his frustration, stating, “Another one of those horrible hotels, which attract even more tourists and look awful. The Diamond has become a symbolic place for us.” This hotel replaced the iconic Heineken Hoek, a beloved landmark known for its neon signs and giant beer glass advertisements.
Residents argue that the surge in tourism has led to significant disruptions in their daily lives. Coumou highlighted the negative effects of tourism, stating, “The tourism that is flooding our city has now become disruptive. It ensures that our children can no longer live in the city because of the high real estate prices.” The influx of tourists has created a monoculture, making the city center increasingly unlivable due to overcrowding. Locals, particularly in the old town and the famous red-light district, have reported difficulties navigating through throngs of visitors, especially during peak seasons.
City Administration’s Response to Concerns
As the number of visitors continues to rise, Amsterdam’s administration is taking steps to address the concerns of its residents. With an estimated 22 million overnight stays recorded last year—two million more than the target—the city is bracing for even higher numbers. Projections indicate that between 22.9 million and 25.4 million tourists visited this year, with expectations to reach 26.6 million by 2026. In response to the growing discontent, the city has pledged to invest an additional 12 million euros this year to combat over-tourism and improve the quality of life for residents.
Frits Huffnagel, a former city councillor known for coining the phrase “I Amsterdam,” emphasized the need for action against disruptive tourists. He stated, “You shouldn’t say: let everyone come and p*** and puke in my city. You have to take action against those people.” The city is now faced with the challenge of implementing effective measures to manage tourism while preserving the unique character of Amsterdam. As residents continue to voice their frustrations, the future of tourism in this iconic city hangs in the balance.
