Amsterdam Faces Legal Action from Residents Over Soaring Tourism Numbers
The residents' advocacy group Amsterdam Has a Choice is preparing to sue the Municipality of Amsterdam for failing to enforce its own 2021 tourism ordinance. The group argues that the city has not taken adequate action to address the escalating problem of mass tourism.
According to the 2021 regulation, the maximum number of tourist overnight stays allowed in Amsterdam is 20 million per year. in years. Current projections estimate that between 23 and 26 million overnight stays will occur this year alone. The original ordinance was introduced following a public petition that received over 30,000 signatures.
In addition to the If this threshold is crossed, the city is obligated to implement corrective measures—such as halting new hotel permits or reducing tourism marketing efforts.
Amsterdam Has a Choice is demanding:
Tighter restrictions on hotel construction
Stricter enforcement of short-term rental laws
A temporary halt on international tourism campaigns
While the city has formally responded to the group’s notice, representatives say the reply was insufficient to prevent legal proceedings. The case is expected to be placed on the court docket in the coming weeks.
Alderman Sofyan Mbarki, responsible for Economic Affairs, expressed regret that the issue is moving to court. He acknowledged that the number of tourists in Amsterdam is too high and stated that although measures are already in place, more will be necessary to bring tourism levels back in line with the 20-million target.
“I understand that residents are exercising their right to demand action through legal means,” Mbarki stated. “Together with local residents and business owners, we’re actively working to implement the goals set by the ordinance and have already taken numerous significant steps.”
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