Europe
New city government targets Airbnb, alcohol use
Amsterdam looks to curb impact of tourism
A new city government, which includes members of the Green Left party is leading the crackdown on aspects of the city’s culture that include the availability of soft drugs and the “red light” area.
Amsterdam is the latest city to kick back against over-tourism.
A new city government, which includes members of the Green Left party is leading the crackdown on aspects of the city’s culture that include the availability of soft drugs and the “red light” area.
“The positive sides of tourism such as employment and city revenues are being more and more overshadowed by the negative consequences,” including trash and noise pollution, according to a document seen by Reuters, which is expected to drive city government policy.
Changes the document outlines include curtailing “amusement transportation” such as multi-person “beer bikes,” cracking down on alcohol use in boats on the canals, further restricting Airbnb home rentals, and a large tax hike.
The plans announced also include creating an inventory of all commercial beds in the city to try to cap various sectors such as those on cruise ships and in hotels.
The city expects 18 million tourists in 2018, an increase of 20% from 2016 levels.
“Amsterdam is a city to live and work in — it’s only a tourist destination in the second place,” the municipal document said.