Amsterdam is putting its money where its plans are, buying a group of buildings in its Red Light district. They are now occupied by a variety of souvenir shops, sex shops and snack bars, but the city will not renew leases when they run out.
Amsterdam has for several years tried to limit what it considers ‘overtourism’ in its central area, and especially the part of the tourism business that has led to a a reputation for rowdy behavior and to local residents moving out of the area only to be replaced by short-term rentals and tourist-related businesses.
Since 2017, the city has implemented a number of laws and zoning changes, limiting where short-term rentals can be established and limiting the percent of businesses in specific areas that can cater to visitors. The newly-acquired properties will be operated by NV Zeedijk, a city-owned company that manages properties acquired as part of renewal programs elsewhere in the city.
Photo: PaulaUdondek/Wikimedia
