Amsterdam tourism
Amsterdam plans huge tourist tax hike — Visitors could soon pay up to 20 percent
Amsterdam, one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, is planning to significantly increase its tourist tax on overnight stays from 12.5% to 16% next year, with a phased rise to 20% in subsequent years, in a bid to curb over-tourism, media reports said.
The city council expects the revised levy to generate around €60 million annually from next year, rising to €75 million by 2030. Officials told Dutch News that the measure will ensure “visitors pay a fair contribution to the costs the city incurs for management, maintenance, enforcement and investment.”
The tax was previously raised to 12.5% in 2024, making it one of the highest tourist levies globally.
“Amsterdam remains an attractive destination for visitors from all over the world,” a translated policy document, quoted by The Independent, stated. “Tourism contributes to the city’s economy, but at the same time places significant pressure on public spaces, quality of life and municipal facilities.”
“The coalition has therefore decided to increase the tourist tax so that visitors make a fairer contribution to the costs associated with managing, maintaining, enforcing and improving the living environment,” it added.
Authorities said the additional revenue will be used to make the city cleaner, safer, and more livable for both residents and visitors.
In further measures to manage tourism, the city is reportedly considering closing its cruise terminal to “end the option to reach Amsterdam by sea cruise.” Discussions with the national government and regional authorities are expected to follow.
Officials are also reviewing increases in entertainment levies applied to canal boat tours, canoes, and other rental vessels, aimed at ensuring higher contributions from day visitors.
Separately, the council is planning to develop an “Erotic Centre” in the Zuid district. The project aims to provide safer working conditions for sex workers, reduce criminal influence in prostitution, and ease overcrowding in Amsterdam’s Red Light District.
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