Amsterdam, the picturesque Dutch capital, is making a bold move to control its visitor numbers and combat pollution by banning cruise ships from the city centre. The decision comes as part of

the city's efforts to align with sustainable ambitions and address the challenges posed by mass tourism.

The central cruise terminal located on the River IJ, near Amsterdam's main train station, will be closed as a result of the ban. Cruise ships have long been a symbol of the tourism problem, with over 100 vessels docking in the city every year, contributing to overcrowding and environmental issues.

In a bid to preserve its unique charm and heritage, Amsterdam has been implementing various measures to curb mass tourism. The city previously prohibited cannabis smoking in the renowned red-light district and launched an online campaign urging young British men to reconsider holding their bachelor parties in Amsterdam.

The city's popularity has led to an influx of 20 million visitors annually, with some drawn by its party reputation. However, with the influx of tourists comes challenges in maintaining the city's cultural integrity and quality of life for residents.

According to Ilana Rooderkerk of the liberal D66 party, which governs the city alongside the Labour party and environmentalists, cruise ships in the city centre contradict Amsterdam's goal of reducing tourist numbers. Ms. Rooderkerk likened cruise tourists to a "plague of locusts," overwhelming the city all at once.

Mayor Femke Halsema has also expressed concerns about the impact of cruise tourists on the city. She highlighted that they tend to spend only a few hours in Amsterdam, patronizing international chains and neglecting local museums, leading to a one-sided consumption of the city's resources without contributing significantly to its enrichment.

Aside from preserving its cultural heritage, the ban on cruise ships is also aimed at mitigating air pollution in Amsterdam. A study conducted in 2021 revealed that a single large cruise ship emitted the same amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in a day as 30,000 trucks, highlighting the significant environmental impact of these vessels.

Although alternative mooring sites away from the city centre have been under consideration, no final decisions have been made yet.

In a separate development, Amsterdam is also taking steps to enhance nighttime culture for its younger population. The city is exploring various locations, such as disused tunnels and garages, to promote the talents of creative young people who want to organize events during the night, aiming to strike a balance between cultural enrichment and responsible tourism. Photo by FaceMePLS from The Hague, The Netherlands, Wikimedia commons.