Haarlem in the Netherlands to tackle over-tourism

Haarlem is taking action to stop the city becoming a victim of its own success as a tourist destination, by focusing on ‘quality visitors’ and making sure the wishes of residents remain paramount.

In the plan of action, the municipality raises concerns that the crowds will result in Haarlem residents turning against the visitors, such as in the capital.

“Haarlem must learn from Amsterdam. It is the wish to not repair afterwards, but act beforehand” city officials said in a policy document published this week.

While recognising the importance of tourism to the economy, ‘we will prevent the negative effects by distributing hotels and events around the city and opting for high value tourism,’ city officials said.

The city has already introduced a 30-day limit on holiday rentals on websites like Airbnb, in line with the nearby capital and ‘quality’ will be key in assessing new hotel licences.

Guided tours for groups using segways and beer bikes have also been banned.

Nearly half a million people visited the city, just 20 kilometres from Amsterdam, last year, a rise of 17% on 2017 and that growth is set to continue.

Via DutchNews.nl