Amsterdam’s attempt to continue its tourism business without losing its central core to all-tourist businesses is turning to details of its plan to limit and reduce the number of souvenir shops, take-away food shops and similar.
The latest move doesn’t close any existing business, but identifies 165 locations where such businesses will not be allowed once the location changes hands or leases run out. The city has identified over 280 tourism-focused businesses in its core area. The restriction implements a law that has now been upheld by the high court.
At the same time, the city is moving to make visitors more aware that the y are in areas where people live, by placing planter tubs in the area and painting spaces for children’s games, such as hopscotch, on the sidewalks.
The city’s ultimate goal is to ‘elevate’ its tourism industry above the mass tourism that has brought it a reputation for rowdy nights and drugs.
