Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands visited by over 20 million tourists annually, will halve the number of passenger ships and tourist boats visiting the canals to combat “tourism pollution.”
Passenger ships not permitted to dock in Amsterdam will be redirected to Rotterdam. This decision will be implemented starting from 2026. According to a decision made by the city administration, from 2028, no more than 1,150 boats will be allowed into Amsterdam’s canals.
Tourist boats currently transport approximately 542,000 passengers annually. With the new measures, 271,000 fewer people will visit the city by boat. No data was released on how much the number of tourists will decrease due to the reduction in passenger ships. The new measures are expected to cause some revenue loss for museums, the food and beverage industry, and other businesses.
The financial impacts of reducing tourist numbers will be studied
The Amsterdam Municipality will study the financial impacts of reducing the number of tourists visiting the city and prepare a plan accordingly. The Municipality also aims to relocate the Cruise Passenger Terminal outside the city center by 2035. The new passenger terminal is planned to be established in the port area to the west of Amsterdam.
Under the “Balanced Tourism Regulation,” the Amsterdam Municipality has decided not to permit new hotels and to limit the number of beds. The city government also prohibits tour buses from entering the city center, citing damage to the city’s fabric. The municipal administration emphasizes that these measures are necessary for the residents’ quality of life and for maintaining a clean and sustainable city.
