To effectively manage the rising tide of tourism, the city of Amsterdam has announced a plan to limit river cruise ship dockings to 1,150 annually.
Changes to River Cruise Calls in Amsterdam
Following a record of 1,950 river cruise calls in 2024, Amsterdam aims to implement stricter regulations through a new tourism strategy. This initiative will enable river cruise operators to receive an annual reduction quota based on previous year’s bookings, adjusting the number of vessels permitted to dock in the city.
Collaborative Efforts with the European River Cruise Association
The European River Cruise Association (IG RiverCruise) has stepped in to collaborate with the city, establishing a working group focused on addressing overtourism challenges. “River cruising could be a solution and is not part of the problem,” stated Robbert Verbeek, a board member and CFO of leading river cruise operator Scylla. He emphasized that river cruise operators are positioned as “managed tourism suppliers,” aiming to work in harmony with Amsterdam’s tourism goals.
Impact of River Cruises on Amsterdam’s Economy
River cruise passengers account for just 2% of the total annual visitors to Amsterdam, contributing approximately $257 million in direct spending. Verbeek noted that the tourism from these cruises is “temporary and manageable,” as most vessels typically dock only briefly during week-long itineraries. Collaborating with city officials, the association hopes to establish specific time slots for docking, ensuring better management of visitor flows.
Challenges of Managing Diverse Tourism Types
Verbeek acknowledged the complexities of regulating various tourism forms, highlighting that while types like river cruises can be managed, others like Airbnb rentals pose significant challenges. He stated, “It’s pretty impossible for them to cut other types of tourism, because they have no control over those types of tourism.” Finding a balance among these various tourism activities remains a priority for the city.
Future Plans for Ocean Cruise Regulations
In addition to changes in river cruise policies, Amsterdam is also focusing on regulating ocean cruises. The city plans to phase out operations at its city center cruise terminal by 2035, limiting ocean cruise ships to just 100 per year starting in 2026. Both river and ocean vessels utilize this terminal, making these plans even more critical for managing tourism effectively.
Broader Tourism Management Initiatives
The city’s objectives extend beyond just cruise regulations. Amsterdam is also taking steps to limit bachelor parties, convert hotels into residences and offices, and promote a more equitable distribution of tourism across different neighborhoods. This multifaceted approach aims to ensure a sustainable tourism environment that benefits both visitors and local residents alike.
For more details on Amsterdam’s tourism policies, visit the official [Amsterdam tourism policy page](https://www.amsterdam.nl/en/policy/policy-tourism).
