USA, UK, Germany, and France Lead the Charge as 82% of Amsterdam Locals Say Tourism’s Still a Burden – Will Airlines Like KLM and British Airways Address the Growing Crowd?

Written By: Angana Dutta

Angana Dutta

Angana Dutta is a writer, journalist, and SEO content specialist with experience spanning travel, education, and digital media. She is a contributor to Travel And Tour World (TTW), where she produces engaging, search-driven travel stories for a global audience. She has also worked as a reporter with The Times of India and Pratidin Time, covering regional news and human-interest stories. Combining journalistic integrity with creative storytelling, Angana is passionate about culture, literature, and showcasing the unique heritage and destinations of Northeast India through impactful content.

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March 9, 2026 10:12 GMT+5:30

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USA, UK, Germany, and France are leading the charge as millions of tourists continue to flock to Amsterdam, with numbers expected to soar even further in the coming years. Despite the city’s undeniable appeal, 82% of Amsterdam’s residents still view tourism as a burden, grappling with overcrowding, noise, and anti-social behaviour that have become all too familiar in their daily lives. While tourism undeniably fuels the city’s economy and supports critical sectors like hospitality and aviation, the pressure is mounting on airlines such as KLM and British Airways, which are scrambling to manage the ever-growing influx of travellers. With the number of visitors predicted to reach 27 million by 2027, the challenge of balancing economic growth with local well-being is more urgent than ever. As the city’s residents adjust to the increasing crowds, and tourism-focused companies work to adapt, the question remains: can the aviation and hospitality industries address the growing concerns while maintaining Amsterdam’s allure as a must-visit destination?

USA, UK, Germany, and France Lead the Charge as 82% of Amsterdam Locals Say Tourism’s Still a Burden – Will Airlines Like KLM and British Airways Address the Growing Crowd?

Tourism in Amsterdam continues to soar, but as the number of visitors increases, so do the frustrations of the locals. According to recent surveys, 82% of Amsterdammers feel that tourism remains a problem, particularly with overcrowding, noise, and anti-social behaviour becoming more common in their everyday lives. While many still see the value that tourism brings to the economy, these issues have led to a shift in how the city is managing its tourist population. As airlines like KLM, British Airways, and hotel chains like Marriott face the pressure of accommodating these growing numbers, the question remains: will they be able to meet the demand without further disturbing the delicate balance of life in Amsterdam?

The Growing Visitor Numbers: What USA, UK, and Germany Tourists Need to Know

Amsterdam has long been a favourite among tourists from around the globe, with major source markets including the USA, UK, Germany, and France. These countries have seen increasing numbers of visitors to the Dutch capital, especially in the post-pandemic travel boom. In fact, 2024 saw around 27 million visitors to Amsterdam, a number that is only expected to rise by 2027. With over 35% of international visitors coming from the USA alone, followed closely by the UK and Germany, the impact of this influx is undeniably significant.

The surge in visitors has raised concerns among local residents, who report daily frustrations related to overcrowded streets, packed public transportation, and the noise of constant tourism activity. While the city has taken steps to control tourism growth, the numbers continue to climb, placing added strain on both the hospitality and transportation sectors. Visitors from the USA, UK, and Germany are expected to continue their dominance as Amsterdam remains a top destination in Europe.

For tourists, this means that planning ahead is essential. Visitors will need to take into account the seasonal surges in Amsterdam’s tourism traffic. Booking flights early, securing accommodations in quieter neighbourhoods, and considering alternative means of transport around the city can help mitigate some of the inconveniences of overcrowding.

How Airlines Like KLM and British Airways Are Preparing for Record Visitor Numbers

As Amsterdam continues to attract record-breaking numbers of visitors, airlines are ramping up efforts to cater to the growing demand. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, as the primary carrier for international flights to Amsterdam, plays a crucial role in managing the influx of passengers. With numerous flights connecting the city to major global hubs like New York, London, Frankfurt, and Paris, KLM’s capacity is being tested. The airline has recently expanded its fleet with new, eco-friendly aircraft to accommodate the increasing passenger numbers, which is expected to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations.

In response to the overwhelming demand, British Airways is also increasing its flight frequency from the UK to Amsterdam, particularly during peak tourist seasons. As part of its strategy to tap into the rising number of American and European visitors, British Airways has introduced seasonal promotions and additional direct flights, ensuring better connectivity to the city.

Both KLM and British Airways have adjusted their flight schedules to maintain high efficiency and offer passengers a more comfortable experience, even during busy travel periods. The focus is not only on increasing seat availability but also on enhancing the quality of service and minimizing flight delays. However, as the demand for air travel to Amsterdam increases, both airlines are finding it challenging to maintain the delicate balance between profitability and sustainability, while also ensuring that overcrowding does not further strain the city’s infrastructure.

The Hospitality Industry Faces Challenges: Can Marriott and Local Hotels Cope with the Surge?

While airlines play a pivotal role in transporting tourists to Amsterdam, the hospitality industry is equally important in managing their stay. Major hotel chains, such as Marriott, Hilton, and smaller boutique hotels, are grappling with the challenges of overcrowding and the lack of available accommodation. Despite Amsterdam’s strong position as one of Europe’s premier tourist destinations, the city’s hotel infrastructure has remained relatively stagnant. The municipality has imposed tight regulations on hotel development, which has prevented the construction of new hotels to match the rising demand.

For visitors, this means that securing accommodations during peak seasons is becoming increasingly difficult. Hotel bookings are often filled months in advance, with prices surging during busy periods. As a result, tourists may find themselves looking at smaller, less-established hotels or short-term rental options, such as those offered by Airbnb, which have faced their own regulatory restrictions in recent years.

Marriott Hotels, which has a prominent presence in Amsterdam, is responding by offering flexible booking options and catering to high-end travellers looking for unique, upscale experiences. However, even this global brand is feeling the pressure of the growing tourism numbers. Smaller independent hotels have become more adept at attracting tourists by focusing on personalized service and authentic local experiences. Still, the hospitality sector is struggling to keep pace with demand, which has led to a rise in alternative accommodation options such as hostels and vacation rentals.

Tourism Taxes and City Regulations: What Tourists Should Know

As the city continues to experience high tourism volumes, the local government has taken proactive steps to manage the impact. One of the most significant changes has been the introduction of higher tourist taxes. In recent years, Amsterdam raised its tourist tax from 7% to 12.5% on hotel bookings. This increase has sparked some debates about the affordability of visiting the city, but the measure is aimed at balancing the financial burdens of tourism on local residents while also funding essential services and infrastructure improvements.

For tourists planning to visit, it’s essential to be aware of these tax increases, as they will directly affect the total cost of the trip. Visitors should expect to pay more for accommodation and some tourist activities. While this may be frustrating for those on a budget, the funds raised from these taxes will go towards maintaining the city’s landmarks, improving public services, and addressing the challenges caused by overcrowding.

In addition to the tourist tax, the city has also implemented strict regulations on short-term rentals, limiting the number of days a property can be rented out each year. This move is aimed at controlling the rise in Airbnb rentals and ensuring that residents are not displaced by the growing demand for vacation properties.

How to Enjoy Amsterdam Without Contributing to the Overcrowding

While Amsterdam’s tourism growth presents certain challenges, there are ways for visitors to enjoy the city while avoiding some of the most common frustrations. First, tourists should consider visiting the city during off-peak seasons, such as in early spring or late autumn, when the crowds are thinner and the weather is still pleasant. Travelling during weekdays, rather than weekends, can also help avoid the busiest periods.

For those who prefer to stay in less crowded areas, districts like De Pijp and Amsterdam-Noord offer more affordable and quieter options compared to the tourist-heavy Centrum. These areas are also known for their unique cultural offerings and local experiences, away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist spots.

Tourists should also be mindful of their environmental footprint. Amsterdam has placed a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism, encouraging visitors to use public transport, bike around the city, and support eco-friendly businesses. Many hotels, including Marriott and independent boutique hotels, are implementing green initiatives, such as reducing water and energy consumption, using sustainable materials, and offering guests incentives to travel sustainably.

What the Future Holds for Amsterdam’s Tourism

As the numbers continue to rise, Amsterdam will need to continue adapting to the pressures of tourism. Local government efforts to curb overtourism are crucial, but the role of airlines and hospitality businesses is equally important in ensuring the city remains accessible without overwhelming the residents.

With airlines like KLM, British Airways, and low-cost carriers continuing to offer flights to and from Amsterdam, the flow of international visitors will only increase. However, this will require more collaboration between the aviation, hospitality, and local government sectors to create a sustainable model for tourism that benefits everyone. For tourists, this means being conscious of their choices, planning ahead, and respecting the local community while exploring the beautiful city of Amsterdam.

USA, UK, Germany, and France lead the surge in Amsterdam’s tourism, with visitor numbers set to rise even further. However, 82% of locals still see tourism as a burden, raising concerns about overcrowding, noise, and its impact on daily life.

Amsterdam’s tourism will continue to grow, but the key will be managing this growth sustainably. By choosing alternative accommodations, exploring less crowded districts, and adhering to sustainable travel practices, tourists can enjoy everything this city has to offer without contributing to the negative aspects of overtourism.