аÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û

The city of Amsterdam has decided to allow fewer cruise ships to dock in the city center. Starting in 2026, the city will only allow 100 cruise ships to visit per year, which is almost half of the current number.

This decision was made by city councillors last year. It is part of a plan to limit the growth of tourism and reduce the negative effects it has had on the city. “The city council wants a city that is liveable, clean and sustainable,” said Hester van Buren, the council’s ports chief. “Sea cruises pollute and bring too many people and pollution to the city.”

In addition to limiting cruise ship visits, the city also plans to close the Veemkade terminal by 2035. All ocean-going cruises will be moved to a new location, possibly the Coenhaven area in Amsterdam’s western docks. This change is expected to further reduce the number of cruise ship visitors to the city center.

The move is in response to concerns about the environmental and social impact of cruise tourism in Amsterdam. A study found that a single cruise ship emits as much pollution in one day as 31,000 lorries going around the city’s A10 ring road. This pollution, along with the crowds and traffic caused by cruise ship passengers, has led to complaints from local residents.

“We have promised to keep tourist numbers under 20 million a year,” said Van Buren, showing that the city is trying to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to keep the city a good place for Amsterdam’s residents to live.

See also

Travel

Don’t Miss on Czech Railways Unlimited Travel Ticket This Summer

The financial impact of these measures is expected to be significant, with less money spent by tourists and less tourist tax revenue. However, city officials have said this is not expected to greatly affect the city’s spending plans in 2025.

The move to limit cruise ship visits is part of a trend in Europe, where several cities have taken steps to address the problems caused by too many tourists. In recent years, places like Venice, Barcelona, and Dubrovnik have limited cruise ship access, restricted Airbnb rentals, and introduced tourist taxes.

For Amsterdam, limiting cruise ship visits is a bold and necessary step in balancing the benefits and drawbacks of tourism. As the city works to manage tourism, this move could serve as an example for other places facing similar challenges.