Tackling Overtourism: Sustainable Strategies Meeting Recap

Key stakeholders from various sectors convened on September 19, 2023, to address critical issues in tourism management within the Metropolitan Region of Amsterdam. Representatives from INHolland, ABN-AMRO, Zaanse Schans, and Recreatie Noord-Holland participated in the discussion.

The meeting began with a focus on local resident involvement in tourism, highlighting concerns about their frustration with certain policies and the need for inclusive decision-making processes.

Overtourism, particularly from day visitors, was identified as a significant challenge, prompting discussions on comprehensive strategies to manage different visitor demographics effectively. Participants expressed concerns about the impact of group tourism on hotspots within the MRA, emphasizing the urgency of addressing unsustainable practices by tour operators.

Despite challenges, stakeholders identified opportunities for collaboration and innovation, including regional-level planning involving major stakeholders like Schiphol Airport, and initiatives to reward sustainable tourism practices and promote business tourism. Concerns were raised about the predictability of governmental policies, rising prices in Amsterdam, and the preference for new initiatives to establish themselves in the city, hindering the equitable distribution of tourism.

Stakeholders saw public transportation infrastructure as a key opportunity to mitigate congestion, with plans for a new travel schedule by EBS and expansion of the North-South metro connection.

In conclusion, the meeting served as a platform for constructive dialogue, highlighting the importance of holistic approaches to tourism management that prioritize sustainability, community engagement, and strategic innovation, aiming to enhance the overall quality of life for residents and visitors in the MRA.