As mass tourism continues to overwhelm the Dutch capital, a citizen initiative has filed a lawsuit against the city council, demanding tougher restrictions and higher tourist taxes.
Amsterdam’s canals, historic streets, and vibrant cycling culture have made it one of the world’s most visited cities. But for many locals, the flood of visitors has become unbearable. Souvenir shops are replacing neighborhood stores, bike lanes are clogged, and the once-charming alleys are packed with “TikTok tourists.” With much of the city’s tourism focused on partying, drugs, and sex work, residents say the character of Amsterdam is being lost. Now, a citizens’ initiative has taken the city to court in a bid to protect the future of their hometown.
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Citizens’ initiative files lawsuit
The group “Amsterdam Has a Choice” (“Amsterdam heeft een Keuze”), founded in 2020, filed a lawsuit against the municipality on September 22 together with 12 other civic organizations. On its website, locals signed a petition and voiced concerns: “If we continue like this, Amsterdam will become the second Venice – few residents, only tourists.” The initiative has already raised €50,000 to cover legal fees.
Tourist numbers exceed the limit
In 2021, the city set a cap of 20 million tourists per year. But that limit was ignored. Last year, 22.9 million people visited Amsterdam — 3 percent more than the year before. Projections show the numbers will keep rising in 2025. While the influx generates around €10 billion annually for the city, residents say the social costs are too high.
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Europe’s highest tourist tax not enough
Since 2023, Amsterdam has imposed Europe’s highest tourist tax: 12.5 percent, plus a daily €14.50 fee for cruise passengers. The city council has also banned new hotel construction. Still, residents are demanding tougher action. Initiative spokesperson Van Dijk told Stuttgarter Nachrichten: “Amsterdam could use the extra income from a higher tourist tax to buy land, tackle the housing shortage, or clean up the streets — much of the litter is caused by mass tourism.”
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