Amsterdam residents protest against mass tourism destroying their city
- Local residents in Amsterdam protested against the negative effects of mass tourism on their living conditions.
- The demonstration took place outside the newly built Diamond hotel, which is seen as contributing to the overwhelming tourist influx.
- Amsterdam aims to balance tourism with community needs, but continued protests indicate rising frustration among locals.
In recent developments, Amsterdam has emerged as a focal point for protests against overtourism. On December 21, 2023, local residents gathered in the Leidseplein area to demonstrate their discontent with the rising number of tourists, which they believe has rendered their city unliveable. The protests were catalyzed by the construction of the Diamond hotel, a contemporary building that has faced significant backlash from the community for its design and the influx of tourists it is expected to attract. Activist Dingeman Coumou spearheaded the 'Het is Genoeg' campaign, highlighting the adverse impact of tourism on local housing, culture, and community dynamics. The protest was part of a broader movement seen in several European cities, including Barcelona and Venice, where local populations have expressed their frustration over mass tourism. Despite proposing restrictions on tourist numbers, with a target of limiting annual overnight stays to 20 million, Amsterdam saw around 22 million stays in 2023. This influx exacerbates issues like rising real estate prices and crowding in historically significant neighborhoods. Former councillor Frits Huffnagel emphasized the necessity for action against disruptive tourism, suggesting that the prevailing approach of welcoming all visitors without sufficient regulation must change. The Amsterdam city council has already initiated measures to mitigate tourism pressure, including an increased tourist tax and regulations on river cruises and hotel construction. Residents believe that if unregulated tourism continues, it will jeopardize the city’s character and livability, raising concerns about the future of Amsterdam's fundamental identity as a tranquil cultural hub.