Amsterdam bans new hotels to combat mass tourism

22-04-24

Amsterdam has decided to implement a restrictive policy preventing the construction of new hotels in an effort to combat the mass tourism that has plagued the city in recent years. The measure aims to preserve the quality of life for local residents and maintain the unique character of the Dutch capital, which has been threatened by the relentless flow of tourists.

Amsterdam's local government has specified that the construction of new hotel establishments will not be authorized unless there is a closure of an existing one and the new project does not increase the total number of available beds. In addition, the quality and service standards of the new hotel must be improved. This policy will not apply to those projects that had already been approved with a building permit prior to the implementation of this new regulation.

The official statement, released by Reuters, highlights: "We want to ensure that Amsterdam remains a livable place for those who reside in and visit the city. This means controlling over-tourism, avoiding the construction of new hotels and limiting tourist overnight stays to a maximum of 20 million per year."

In addition to Amsterdam, other European cities are taking similar steps to manage the challenges of mass tourism. In Barcelona, the local government has opted for an innovative solution to reduce tourist congestion by removing from Google Maps the route of a local bus that connects directly to Parque Güell. As reported by elDiario.es, this action has resulted in a notable decrease in tourist use of this service, providing a respite to neighbors who were previously overwhelmed by crowds of tourists.

These initiatives reflect a greater effort on the part of cities seeking to balance welcoming tourists with preserving the quality of life of their citizens. The challenge of managing mass tourism without compromising the economic revenues it brings is complex, but essential to the sustainability of popular tourist destinations such as Amsterdam and Barcelona.