Overtourism mitigation and nuisance control in Amsterdam – finding a balance

In recent years, Amsterdam has faced significant challenges due to overtourism. As a globally recognised tourist destination, the city's historical charm and cultural richness have attracted millions of visitors annually. This popularity, however, has come with significant costs, including overcrowding, strain on local infrastructure, and challenges to residents’ quality of life. This chapter explores the various strategies and measures implemented by the city to address these issues, balancing the needs of tourists and residents while planning for a more sustainable future. Amsterdam's local government has implemented a range of initiatives to mitigate overtourism and better manage its impacts, such as limiting accommodation availability, limiting the number of short-term rentals, particularly through platforms like Airbnb, restrictions on new hotels, promoting lesser-known neighbourhoods, such as Amsterdam North and East, encouraging off-peak visits, and initiatives like the “Enjoy and Respect” campaign, which focuses on educating tourists about the benefits of visiting during off-peak seasons and hours.