The Netherlands considering drastic measures to cope with tourism boom

Thursday, May 9, 2019

The Netherlands is set to stop promoting itself as a holiday destination and considering more drastic measures, including new taxes and closing down attractions, coping with tourism boom.

Surge in visitor numbers have left Amsterdam badly overcrowded and its iconic windmills and tulip fields overrun.

In a report, the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions (NBTC) warned that the “pressure on livability” in and around many of the nation’s most popular tourist hotspots is reaching unsustainable levels.

The Netherlands is an immensely popular destination for vacationers and day-trippers from neighboring countries including Germany, the UK, Belgium, and France.

As per official NBTC figures, visitor numbers from the United States are expected to increase by 6 percent this year, reaching 1,640,000. Meanwhile, there will be a by 5 percent growth in vacationers from China, who will number 350,000.

The tourism board said in its report, “So far, the Dutch government and the hospitality industry have mostly promoted the Netherlands in order to attract more visitors. We now know that more is not always better, definitely not everywhere. Pressure on the livability of our cities and iconic locations will increase due to increasing visitor numbers, while other parts of the Netherlands do not or insufficiently benefit from the opportunities and socio-economic boost tourism can offer.”

“If certain groups cause trouble in a specific area and enforcement has insufficient effect, alternative measures will have to be taken. If all else fails, the attractions they are visiting may have to be closed down,” the report added.

Amsterdam has also become a popular destination for bachelor parties from countries like the UK, resulting in an occurrence of anti-social behavior.

In April, the city’s last remaining floating florist closed shop. Its owner blamed tourists who crowded around his boat to take selfies without buying anything, putting off genuine customers.

The country’s iconic tulip fields and windmills are also beginning to feel the pressure of overcrowding.

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