The municipality of Amsterdam has banned cruise ships from entering the city center – this is one of the ways that the Dutch capital is trying to reduce the number of tourists and pollution, writes the BBC.
Politicians have stated that cruise ships are not in line with the city’s progress toward sustainability. This means that the central cruise ship terminal will be closed.
The cruise ship ban is the latest in a series of measures to curb mass tourism. The ships have become a symbol of the problem – more than 100 docks in the capital every year. In March, the city also launched a campaign during which it urged young British men who intend to hold bachelor parties in Amsterdam to stay away from it.
Amsterdam has become a victim of its own popularity.
Around 20 million tourists visit it every year, some of whom are attracted by the city’s reputation for wild parties.
Ilana Rooderkerk of the Liberal Party’s D66 recently compared cruise ship tourists to a swarm of locusts taking over a city center all at the same time. Other Amsterdam politicians have condemned such a comparison, however, last year the city’s mayor, Femke Halsem, complained that ship passengers are let into the city for a few hours, eat at restaurants of international chains, and don’t even have time to go to the museum.
Another reason for banning cruise ships is the desire to reduce air pollution. A 2021 study found that one cruise ship produces as much nitrogen oxide emissions as 30 thousand trucks during the day.
Amsterdam has also announced plans to help improve its nightlife culture.