Amsterdam launches 'Stay Away' campaign to discourage types of tourism

Source: Schengen Visa Info

Authorities in the Netherlands have decided to introduce in Amsterdam a new campaign called “Stay Away”, in order to discourage specific kinds of tourism.

The new decision comes following the Netherlands’ capital liberal laws related to drugs, alcohol and sex, which have created this city a reputation that anything goes, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

According to local media reports, international visitors have taken advantage of such an image of this city, thus creating new problems for this city.

In this regard, the Deputy Mayor of Amsterdam, Sofyan Mbarki, has emphasized the importance of such a decision.

“Action is needed to prevent nuisance and overcrowding. Amsterdam is a world city, and bustle and liveliness come along with this, but to keep our city liveable, we need to choose limits instead of irresponsible growth,” Mbarki pointed out in this regard.

It is reported that Amsterdam welcomes over 20 million foreign visitors each year, making this city among the most famous cities in Europe. However, through a recent campaign authorities in Amsterdam are attempting to reduce the number of travelers in spring next year, discouraging some famous recreational activities.

It has been emphasized that the following types of visitors will not be permitted to enter the Dutch capital:

-Cannabis and Drug Tourists
-Batchelor Parties
-Sex Tourists
-Overtourism

However, despite the curbs imposed on travelers from the above-mentioned categories, authorities in Amsterdam continue to keep their doors open to other visitors. It has been reported that visitors that are welcomed are those who make a positive contribution to the city.

Earlier this year, Amsterdam’s Mayor Femke Halsema stressed that the city is planning to close cannabis cafes or coffee shops in order to keep the local soft drugs market under control.

“Many of the major problems in the city are fueled by the cannabis market: from nuisance caused by drug tourism to serious crime and violence. Banning sales to tourists is a necessary intervention… and the first step towards regulation,” she stressed, according to a report provided by Dutch News.

According to research made by local authorities, only 66 of 166 licensed coffee shops in the Dutch capital are needed to meet the local demand.

Officials in Amsterdam have continuously attempted to find effective solutions to this problem after Amsterdam is among the most famous destinations in Europe.

Halsema previously said that research conducted by the government of the Netherlands showed that a total of 58 percent of foreign travelers who reached the country’s capital, chose this city for the purpose to consume drugs.