① Amsterdam’s Pushback Against British Male Tourists
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a global tourist hotspot. However, the city has been grappling with chronic issues due to the influx of tourists, especially from the phenomenon of overtourism. The local residents have been suffering from the nuisances caused by unruly tourists indulging in public urination, drug use, and sex tourism. The locals have been protesting and demanding stringent measures against these tourists.
The city of Amsterdam attracts nearly 20 million tourists each year. In response to this, Amsterdam has sent out a warning message to tourists, specifically targeting British tourists aged between 18 and 35, asking them not to visit. Many Britons visit Amsterdam due to the affordability of the airfare, which is about $85.
Many British tourists take advantage of package tours to enjoy their trip to Amsterdam. These holiday deals often include unlimited alcohol, steak dinners, strip shows, and tours of the red-light district.
For a long time, most tourists visiting Amsterdam have been those seeking entertainment. In particular, British tourists have been known to frequent cannabis cafes and brothels.
According to the BBC report, British males have gained a reputation for behaving rudely in public. The report mentions that the Dutch have been complaining for years about British tourists who get drunk, urinate in public, vomit in canals, strip off their clothes, and start fights.
② Amsterdam’s ‘Stay Away’ Campaign
Amsterdam’s online campaign ‘Stay Away’ depicts some of the behaviors of British tourists. The video features the police arresting a drunk man and taking him to jail. The caption reads, “Rowdy night + Drunk = Fine of 140 Euros) + Criminal Record… Want to enjoy a rowdy night in Amsterdam? Stay Away.”
The video also shows a man losing consciousness and someone taking him to a hospital. The caption accompanying this scene reads, “Drug use + Loss of control = Hospital tour + Permanent health damage = Worried family.”
While the Netherlands prohibits the production and sale of drugs, it permits the use of soft drugs like cannabis. Anyone over the age of 18 can purchase a small amount of cannabis.
Amsterdam has announced that it will cease the sale of cannabis in certain parts of the city. This move is aimed at addressing the issues caused by tourists seeking entertainment. The city plans to implement new measures concerning bars, clubs, and the red-light district.
Deputy Mayor Sofyan Mbarki stated that tourists are welcome as long as they behave, and she added, “If you’re coming to cause trouble, don’t come to Amsterdam.” Additionally, she mentioned, “Amsterdam is already taking many measures to combat overtourism and nuisance. To save our city, we must choose limits over irresponsible growth.”
The Amsterdam authorities have launched a strong ‘Stay Away’ campaign to combat overtourism. They plan to launch online ads that emphasize the dangers of excessive drinking and drug use when people search terms like “bachelor party,” “cheap hotel,” and “Amsterdam pub crawl.”
③ Amsterdam, Known as the City of Entertainment and Red-Light District
The Netherlands legalized prostitution in 2000. Since then, Amsterdam has become known as a city of entertainment, attracting even more tourists. The red-light district of Amsterdam has become a popular tourist attraction, with an increase in bars and tours in the area.
In January 2020, the Amsterdam City Council banned tours to the red-light district, stating that “it is no longer acceptable to see workers as a tourist attraction.” Any activity promoting these tours has been prohibited and is considered a disturbance of business. The decision sparked controversy and protests from residents living near the red-light district.
The city council of Amsterdam has been considering moving the brothels in the red-light district to other areas of the city for several years. However, opposition from various groups prevents the move whenever a potential location is mentioned. Even EU institutions have openly opposed the move. Thus, the relocation of Amsterdam’s red-light district doesn’t seem to be an easy task.
By. Kim Min Jae
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