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Submitted via IRC for Runaway1956
Amsterdam unveiled far-reaching plans on Wednesday to rein in tourism, reflecting the dissatisfaction of many residents who feel the city's historic center has been overrun.
The leading Green-Left and other parties negotiating a new municipal government after March elections vowed to return "Balance to the City", in a document of that name seen by Reuters.
"The positive sides of tourism such as employment and city revenues are being more and more overshadowed by the negative consequences" including trash and noise pollution, the document said.
Changes the document outlines include curtailing "amusement transportation" such as multi-person "beer bikes"; cracking down on alcohol use in boats on the canals; further restricting AirBnB and other home rentals; and a large tax hike.
The plans announced on Wednesday also include creating an inventory of all commercial beds in the city to try to cap various sectors such as those on cruise ships and in hotels.
"I'm very happy that the city is now finally taking action, because residents have been asking for it for a very long time," said Bert Nap of neighborhood organization d'Oude Binnenstad, in the historic center.
"What I'm worried about is that this package of measures is so drastic that there will be a lot of lawsuits and political resistance, which will cost a lot of time."
Source: http://www.oann.com/bye-bye-beer-bike-amsterdam-determined-to-tame-tourism/
(Score: 1) by anubi on Sunday May 20 2018, @12:37PM (1 child)
I would take it that my situation with Disneyland is like yours in your own city, albeit its only the SouthEast portion of Anaheim I have to avoid. I can very rarely enjoy Disneyland. Its flat overrun with tourists.
I used to go there during the Winter months, and it was quite pleasurable, but no more... its packed in there. They keep raising admission fees, and the tourists keep a comin'.
But, if it wasn't for tourists, Disneyland would not be there. That place is *expensive*, but it costs far more to run that place than the locals would come up with.
And they hire most of our kids, and a lot of other townsfolk. Those Disney did not hire find jobs at all sorts of other tourist-oriented businesses that feed on the scraps - and there is lots of scraps to be had. Because a Disney meal is not an inexpensive meal, by a long shot. If one's kids shanghai'd the family to go, the choice of restaurants could save a family hundreds of dollars over a few days.
I understand your feel for having crowds around... too much is simply too much, and everywhere becomes the "Line King" ... everybody standing in line somewhere.
But then, we locals know where the holes in the wall are - I won't go West if I can... that heads me straight to Disney ... nah, I go East and get out of the way... we have some nice buffets and eateries well off the beaten path that the tourists aren't onto yet... and not tourist prices either. And somewhere to park!
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." [KJV: I Thessalonians 5:21]
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday May 20 2018, @12:38PM
Dammit, I hit the wrong reply button again...